Renowned Swiss gemologist and educator Henry A. Hänni (see above) passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 80. Hänni began his career as a technical assistant at the Mineralogical Institute of the University of Basel in Switzerland. Inspired to pursue more advanced studies in gemology and mineralogy, Hänni ultimately earned a PhD in 1980 from the university with a thesis on beryl from the Swiss Alps.
That year, he joined the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), later assuming the director position in 1990. In 1996, he became a professor of gemology at the University of Basel. Throughout his career, Hänni authored countless papers in multiple languages, including several for Gems & Gemology on colored stones and pearls, and also served on G&G’s review board. In 2004, he received the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
After his retirement in 2009, Hänni remained active in the gemological community, both in gemstone research and education. In addition to his pioneering work in cultured pearl and gemstone analysis, treatment detection, and origin determination, he will be remembered for inspiring young gemologists with his passion and m
Renowned Swiss gemologist and educator Henry A. Hänni (see above) passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 80. Hänni began his career as a technical assistant at the Mineralogical Institute of the University of Basel in Switzerland. Inspired to pursue more advanced studies in gemology and mineralogy, Hänni ultimately earned a PhD in 1980 from the university with a thesis on beryl from the Swiss Alps.
That year, he joined the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF), later assuming the director position in 1990. In 1996, he became a professor of gemology at the University of Basel. Throughout his career, Hänni authored countless papers in multiple languages, including several for Gems & Gemology on colored stones and pearls, and also served on G&G’s review board. In 2004, he received the Accredited Gemologists Association’s Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology.
After his retirement in 2009, Hänni remained active in the gemological community, both in gemstone research and education. In addition to his pioneering work in cultured pearl and gemstone analysis, treatment detection, and origin determination, he will be remembered for inspiring young gemologists with his passion and m
