Dr. James Shigley, a distinguished research fellow at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has cast doubt on the feasibility of identifying a diamond’s origin solely based on its physical characteristics. Speaking on Rapaport’s GEMTalks series, Dr. Shigley explained that diamonds lack distinctive visual features for determining their provenance, and existing samples are not sufficiently representative. While trace elements in diamonds could potentially provide clues, their low concentration and inability to pinpoint geographic origins pose significant challenges.
According to Dr. Shigley, the chemical composition of diamonds reflects geological processes in the mantle rather than their current surface location. He emphasized that current studies, limited in both size and geographic scope, have failed to provide conclusive evidence supporting the feasibility of origin determination now or in the future.
While Dr. Shigley acknowledged the possibility of confirming origin by matching a polished diamond to its rough counterpart, he highlighted the necessity for prior examination of the rough by the GIA. This process, facilitated through the institute’s Diamond Origin Reports, boasts a success rate of approximately 90%. However, he emphasized that this method is akin to establishing a chain of custody and cannot be replicated by studying polished diamonds alone.
In conclusion, Dr. Shigley’s remarks underscore the limitations of current scientific methods in determining the origin of diamonds, highlighting the complexities involved in this endeavor.
