Editor’s Note
This article provides an overview of the Gem Research Myanmar Lab (GRM), a key gemological institute based in Yangon. Founded in the 1980s by Dr. AYA, GRM is recognized as an authoritative body for gem identification and research in Myanmar’s gem trade.
The Gem Research Myanmar Lab, abbreviated as “GRM,” is also the customary name used by the gemological and commercial sectors for this authoritative identification and research institution.
GRM is a gemological research institute headquartered in Yangon, Myanmar. It was founded in the 1980s by British-Burmese Dr. AYA. Its predecessor was a research institute formed by several applied physicists and geologists from the University of Yangon. This post-World War II established research institute is dedicated to colored gemstone research. Dr. AYA has worked for many years in the Mogok mining region, possessing rich mining experience and an intimate knowledge of gemstones produced in Myanmar. Since its establishment in 1986, it has a history of over 30 years. GRM has consistently been committed to the research and application of gemology. Currently, GRM has established multiple branch institutions in Yangon, Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, equipped with gemstone research, grading, and appraisal laboratories.
Starting from 2000, GRM began collaborating with important gemological institutions worldwide to conduct research on the origin and provenance of colored gemstones, as well as color grading work. After more than a decade of effort, they have achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of colored gemstone origin and provenance research, particularly in gemological research on Myanmar-origin gemstones, earning widespread respect within the industry.
GRM also keeps pace with the times. They utilize laser scanning technology, the latest spectroscopy techniques, and a vast database, as well as computer-simulated neural network systems that mimic human color perception, to successfully perform precise color grading on mounted colored gemstones. This achievement in applied gemology remains unsurpassed by academic peers to this day. This gives the mounted colored gemstone grading reports issued by GRM an authoritative position in the international gemstone market.
As a rigorous and focused research institution, GRM inevitably has a conservative side in its commercial operations. The AYA team is immersed in the world of Myanmar gemstone scientific research, which has prevented them from achieving commercial success in the global gemstone market like other internationally renowned laboratories.
Currently, the report services they provide to society include:
1. Identification of unmounted gemstones and jade.
2. Grading of unmounted diamonds.
3. Grading of mounted diamonds (including color grading of mounted colored diamonds).
4. Value appraisal of gemstones and gemstone jewelry.
Gemological reports provided by GRM support global online inquiries.
For over thirty years since its establishment, the GRM laboratory has maintained rigorous and conservative professional conduct. However, due to their deep research collaboration with gemstone-producing regions, such a non-commercialized research institution has obtained precious mining data. For many luxury brands, mining companies, auction groups, and insurance companies worldwide, GRM’s outstanding research results and precious database are important resources within the industry.
