Dr. Edward J. Gübelin, one of the world’s most honored gemologists and a prolific author and lecturer, passed away March 15 – one day before his 92nd birthday – after undergoing heart surgery in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Dr. Gübelin is renowned for his research on inclusions. He studied the subject for more than a decade before he published Inclusions as a Means of Gemstone Identification in 1953.

The landmark book offered the first systematic classification of inclusions in diamonds, colored stones and synthetic gem materials. Dr. Gübelin subsequently wrote several other books, including Internal World of Gemstones (1974) and The Color Treasury of Gemstones (1975). He recently completed the second edition of his classic Photoatlas of Inclusions in Gemstones, co-authored by John Koivula.

Dr. Gübelin was a frequent contributor to Gems & Gemology for more than 50 years; the
Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Most Valuable Article Award is given annually in his honor.

GIA has established the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Memorial Scholarship for 2006 in recognition of his contributions. A permanent endowed fund has also been set up. Contributions to the Dr. Edward J. Gübelin Research Fund can be sent to GIA.

For more information on how to contribute to the endowed fund, contact Linda Ellis Harmeling, vice president and chief Development officer, at (760) 603-4125. A detailed history of Dr. Gübelin’s life and career will be featured in the next issue of The Loupe.