The Eduard Josef Gübelin Story:
The Swiss gemologist Dr. Edward J. Gübelin (1913–2005) will be forever linked to the study of inclusions in gems. His work revolutionized gemology: As a result of his groundbreaking research and photomicrography, these internal features are now recognized for their diagnostic value, as indicators of a gem’s identity, geographic source, treated or untreated condition, and natural or synthetic origin.
This book, written by several family members, chronicles Edward Gübelin’s 65 years of pioneering research but also provides insight into his profound humanity. Even though the work of a research gemologist is often solitary, Dr. Gübelin touched thousands of lives through his prolific writings and photomicrographs, his extensive travels, the work of his laboratory, the educational organizations he helped establish, and the important gem collection he assembled.
Dr. Gübelin’s impact on my own career began in 1979. I was 22 years old and thrilled to receive a long letter from him complimenting me on my first published article in Gems & Gemology. He encouraged me to continue writing and taking photomicrographs. His letter was articulate and gracious. Indeed, Dr. Gübelin elevated the art of letter writing to a new level of intelligence and eloquence. This letter started a 25-year correspondence and an enduring friendship that extended beyond gemology. He offered kindness, companionship, and advice on many topics. During my travels for GIA, Lucerne always seemed to be on the way to or on the way home from almost any destination. Even my vacations seemed to find me visiting Dr. and Mrs. Gübelin for a few days at their beautiful house on the shores of Lake Lucerne. It was an extraordinary privilege for me, and Dr. Gübelin also inspired and mentored countless other gemologists around the world.
This richly illustrated volume is much more than an in-depth biography of one of gemology’s most important forefathers. It also provides a glimpse into the development of gemology from its infancy through the end of the 20th century and into the 21st.
The chapters “Origins, Provenance,” and “Lucerne, Roots” trace the history of the company and family. The second chapter begins, “Eduard Joseph’s private life was all ebb and flow, a continual back and forth to life’s steady rhythms. For him, reconciling his responsibilities as son and heir to the established firm of Gübelin with his passion for science and his duties as a family man was no simple task.” As evidenced by the volume of published work after his retirement from the firm in 1977 until his passing on March 25, 2005, his was truly a life dedicated to gemology. “In fact,” the book notes, “only a few days before he died, he was still studying gemmological problems and exchanging views with his colleagues.”
Subsequent chapters take the reader along on Dr. Gübelin’s journey from student of mineralogy and gemology in the 1930s to leading expert, and ultimately to the 21st century development of the one of the world’s leading gem laboratories, specializing in geographic origin determination. Dr. Gübelin was a world-class collector of gemstones, an intrepid traveler, teacher, and writer.
The chapter on his literary contributions begins, “Eduard Joseph recorded his knowledge and experiences in numerous articles, books and contributions. What made them so special is that his vivid and descriptive language was unusual for scientific publications, and yet it made the contents all the more accessible—not just for the expert, but for the lay person too.”
The book concludes with a synopsis of Dr. Gübelin’s enormous contributions to the gemological and scientific literature, a detailed timeline of milestones, recognitions and awards, and a bibliography of published books and articles.
This book was preceded by a special limited edition—published in 2013, to commemorate his 100th birthday anniversary—titled Enduring Values: In Celebration of Eduard Josef Gübelin. Few copies of the 2013 special edition were printed; they were distributed as gifts to the clients of the Gübelin Gem Lab and the Gübelin Group. The main difference between the two is that the 2013 edition contained more than 18 personal tributes to Dr. Gübelin from colleagues and family, while the 2014 book contains only three. The remainder of the 2014 book is largely the same, with some differences in graphic layout, paper type, photographs, and text editing.
This book is a must for any gemologist who is keenly interested in gemstone inclusions. It is especially geared to those seeking to understand the historical origins of gemology, as well as the life and innumerable contributions of one of gemology’s greatest pioneers.
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