Editor’s Note
We report with sadness the passing of Henry A. Hänni, the former director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF). A revered figure in gemology for over 40 years, he died peacefully at home in Basel on his 80th birthday. Our condolences go to his family, colleagues, and the wider gemological community.
Basel, Switzerland—The Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) has announced that Henry A. Hänni, a former director of the laboratory, has passed away.
He died peacefully at his home in Basel, surrounded by his family on January 9, which was also his 80th birthday.
Hänni, known to many as Professor Hänni, spent more than four decades in the gemology industry. His fascination with minerals began while working as a technical assistant at the Mineralogical Institute at the University of Basel, leading him to become a student. In 1980, he completed his Ph.D. thesis on beryl from the Swiss Alps.
He later joined the University of Basel as a professor of gemology in 1996. SSEF stated that through his teaching and mentorship, he inspired countless students and professionals worldwide, sharing his vast knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the field.
Hänni, who had been on staff at SSEF since 1980, assumed the role of director in 1990. SSEF noted that he made invaluable contributions to the institute’s development and international reputation. During his tenure, he conducted groundbreaking research in pearl and colored stone analysis, treatment detection, and origin determination.
SSEF launched a scholarship in Hänni’s honor last year. It is awarded once a year, with the next round of applications set to open in September.
He retired from the lab in 2009 but remained engaged in gemstone research and education.
Hänni spent many years as an author and reviewer for Gems & Gemology, according to the publication’s editor-in-chief emerita, Alice Keller, in Hänni’s online obituary.
Hänni also contributed as both an author and editor to The Journal of Gemmology, the publication from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A), according to editor-in-chief Brendan Laurs.
Dozens of others shared memories of Hänni in the online obituary, with many noting his cheerful nature, mentorship, kindness, and his passion for pearls.
Gaetano Cavalieri, longtime president of the World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO), said Hänni played a key role in developing and formulating the CIBJO Blue Book series, specifically the work done by the CIBJO Pearl Commission.
