The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) pays tribute to the memory of Professor Henry A. Hänni, who passed away on January 9, 2025, at home in Basel, Switzerland, at age 80.

A shining light of the gemmological science community, Professor Hänni served for 19 years as Director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF in Basel, one of the world’s leading gemmological laboratories and research institutes, during which time he also was a Professor of Gemmology at the University of Basel. He played a key role in the development and formulation of the CIBJO Blue Book series, and in particular the work done by the CIBJO Pearl Commission.

“Henry was a scientist who dedicated his life to researching, understanding and documenting precious minerals and other gem materials, with the primary objective of growing our knowledge base and then teaching to others what he had learned,” said Gaetano Cavalieri. “He was a pure academic in the service of our industry, and a teacher, mentor and role model to generation of gemmologists who came after him. His legacy will live on in his students and writings, which will continue to serve us for many years to come.

CIBJO offers its condolences to Professor Hänni’s family, his colleagues at SSEF, his student and many friends.