Inclusions

Inclusions provide invaluable information about the identity of their gem host, sometimes revealing a stone's origin, sometimes betraying alteration of a natural stone through treatment, and sometimes unmasking a synthetic or simulant masquerading as a natural stone.

 

Although some jewelers may regard inclusions as "defects" and would be pleased if they would disappear after imparting the information they provide, sometimes inclusions actually enhance rather than diminish the beauty and value of gemstones. For example, asterism in a star sapphire is caused by light reflected from the dense cross-hatch arrangement of fine rutile needles or "silk" within the body of the stone: the more pronounced the star phenomenon, the more attractive and valuable the stone. Since Classical Antiquity gems have been esteemed expressly for their inclusions:

"A stone that is closely akin to 'carbunculi' is the 'sandastros,'…. Its chief merit is that its fiery brilliance, displayed, as it were, in a transparent casing, glitters with golden particles that shine like stars within the stone, and always inside its structure and never upon its surface.…What is universally agreed is that, the larger the number of starry particles, the higher the price."

— Pliny the Elder (d. AD 79), Natural History, XXXVII.100-102

 

Apart from the information inclusions impart or the phenomenal effects they may display, inclusions, unto themselves, are fascinating and beautiful. Amber always has been prized for the inclusions captured within it. An insect or rare feather trapped in amber, and not its fossil resin host, commands our attention and inspires our interest and curiosity. Varieties of agate—picture, moss, dendritic, crazy-lace, among others—are appreciated specifically for the decorative patterns produced by their inclusions. While inclusions in amber and agate often can be observed by the unaided eye or with low magnification, the extraordinary universe contained within them and other gemstones reveals itself most clearly and dramatically through the microscope, under very carefully controlled lighting conditions.

 

The renowned gemologist Eduard Gübelin was the leading pioneer in gem inclusion research and photomicrography of gemstone inclusions. Over the past three decades optical and functional improvements in cameras and microscopes and their integration together, as well as refinements in photographic technique and the invention of new techniques—many by John Koivula—have made possible the production of stunning pictures of what the gemologist sees in the microscope. Photomicrography, then, whether employed as a documentary tool or an artistic medium, has only come into its own in the latter part of the 20th century.

 

Since 1986 Dr. Gübelin and John Koivula have collaborated to produce a series of books, Photoatlas of Inclusions, Volumes 1-3, (Opinio Verlag, Basel) which are the definitive reference books on the subject of gemstone inclusions. In addition to the Photoatlas series, the articles and photomicrographs gemologist John Koivula has published over the last three decades have drawn a growing audience who, like John, is captivated by the beauty of the internal world of gems. Photomicrography of gemstones and collecting gems expressly for their inclusions has gained interest steadily in recent years.

 

Previously, John Koivula's work has been published only through professional journals and books or presented at conferences or other professional meetings. His photomicrographs and selected inclusion specimens will be available for purchase through microWorld of Gems. We invite you to view our gallery of photomicrographs.

 

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Photomicrography Service

microWorld of Gems provides custom photomicrography for the following uses:

• Collection archives
• Fine art display for home or office*
• Unique one of a kind gift
• Documentation for insurance coverage

* Photomicrographs are produced using 35mm positive film; images can be saved to digital format or reproduced as fine art giclée prints

 

microWorld of Gems will be pleased to examine your mineral specimen or cut gemstone to evaluate its suitability for photomicrography. To inquire about our custom photomicrography service, please send an e-mail describing the host material, inclusion and the details you would like recorded on film, or, if you prefer, leave it to mWG to determine whether or not the specimen is a good candidate for photomicrography, and what views will render well. For clients interested in the aesthetic rendering of a specimen, rather than a documentary image record, please note that not all specimens or stones are photogenic under general light microscopy.

 

Prior arrangements must be made before mWG will accept any stone for photomicrography. Unsolicited material will not be accepted.

 

All custom photomicrography pricing is "as quoted" (AQ), plus insurance and shipping. Insurance binders on specimens sent to mWG are the responsibility of the client.

 

Contact/Shipping Information

Email

 

Phone  ·  Fax

+1 760 734-3806

 

Shipping and Mailing Address

mWG

1611-A South Melrose Drive, #366

Vista, CA 92081  USA