📢 Amitis Art offers 100% natural turquoise now and forever.
The Iranian turquoise brand, particularly that of Nishapur, enjoys global recognition and prestige. At major international exhibitions, numerous products are sold under the name of Nishapur and Iranian turquoise. However, the approach to branding and, especially, creating certified documentation for this product has been so inadequate that significant opportunities remain unexploited for selling under the Iranian turquoise brand.
In the discussion of branding and certification, greater focus should be placed on creating proper documentation for turquoise, because branding is achieved only after the correct presentation of the product. In this field, major institutions worldwide are actively working, with the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) being one of the most renowned. This institute typically issues certificates for gemstones that are internationally recognised.
One of the factors that contributes to branding and certification is defining a reliable structural framework that can continue its international work in this field. Unlike other gemstones, turquoise does not have a single grading system, with the most well-known tradition being the Persian Method, which defines the best grade as a stone with perfect clarity and the deepest blue colour.
Recent advances in computer vision and machine learning have revolutionised gemstone classification, with studies demonstrating the successful automatic classification of over 2,000 training images across 68 categories of gemstones using sophisticated feature extraction techniques, including colour histograms in RGB, HSV, and CIELAB spaces, combined with machine learning algorithms.
The GEMTELLIGENCE system represents a breakthrough in gemstone authentication, leveraging convolutional and attention-based neural networks that combine multi-modal heterogeneous data from multiple instruments, achieving predictive performance comparable to expensive laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry analysis.
Computer vision provides new methods for measuring gem colour, moving beyond traditional colourimeters that cannot reflect the pleochroism and discolouration of some gemstone varieties. Modern systems use the CIELAB colour space to assess lightness, colour, and hue, enabling high-precision quality grading.
Image processing has become an integral part of modern industrial production systems, primarily used in semi-automatic and manual processes. This inspection system typically requires an image of the product whose quality compatibility must be examined, which is then analysed by human operators or automatically by a computer using specific image processing techniques.
The method is based on the following stages:
Image acquisition involves having the means to produce X-ray images of the inspected product and tools for transferring them to a computer. Image preprocessing involves using techniques applied to enhance radiographic images obtained for image processing at an intermediate level (enhancing shadow-light detection, background removal, noise removal, etc.).
Image segmentation is the most important part of this automatic image processing system, with segmentation of the image into several categories of objects being its only concern. Most current segmentation methods rely on simple thresholding algorithms. Based on the fact that the inspected product usually consists of different materials with varying thicknesses and is considered a function of a random variable, simple thresholding algorithms cannot be used for intelligent techniques such as backpropagation neural networks, Kohonen neural networks, or Hopfield neural networks.
Standards must have scientifically-rooted foundations for measurement, based on which certificates can be issued and valuations made for turquoise within a framework and according to specific criteria. These criteria can include the level of impurities, the extent of veins, the type of turquoise in terms of colour classification, and the quality of cutting.
It should be possible to accurately categorise and evaluate all matters that have been valued and categorised empirically and usually subjectively through a scientific and experimental approach.
For this purpose, there must initially be a reference similar to GIA and IGS for consultation, through which certificate issuance actions can be taken. Considering that some matters are being conducted for the first time globally and there is no reliable reference for consultation in this research direction, efforts have been made to prove most content experimentally.
Two types of turquoise exist in terminology: Ajami (Persian/vein-free) and Shajari (tree-like/veined) turquoise. These two types of turquoise have different colour classifications, and in the veined type (Shajar), the level of impurities is sometimes considered a criterion for measuring turquoise value, but this same criterion is not measured by any method.
The amount of impurity in a specific volume could indicate the value of this turquoise, or in the vein-free type (Ajam), the amount of surface impurities serves as a criterion for this measurement, which could be the number of existing spots and their quantity.
Usually, any test conducted in this field requires theoretical and scientific foundations. In this research, efforts have been made to address important matters necessary for certificate issuance, one of which is colour differentiation and the level of turquoise impurities.
For this purpose, artificial intelligence is the best option to use, as turquoise has diverse colours, and these colours all have different impurities and degrees of purity that must be measured according to scientifically proven parameters.
If turquoise is considered as a reference and calibre, considering the desired dimensions, other stones in this family can be differentiated using this method.
When a turquoise sample is assumed to have the highest quality as a reference, within the family of vein-free stones, other stones in this field are examined. Using a mathematical model from image processing methods and logical algorithms written for this stone family, impurity differentiation and colour changes are addressed.
The degree of colour change is given parametrically, based on which criteria are more precisely specified, and decision-making power for different stones can be examined more accurately. In the conducted examinations, assessments are based on colour similarity and impurity levels, each encompassing percentages of dispersion criteria.
The system provides specific measurements, including:
Software has been developed to make the best decisions in this field using available data.
In turquoise colour classifications that are of great interest to sellers and buyers, there must be criteria that can by no means be properly considered by individuals and require a comprehensive computer program that examines criteria based on logical answers and measures fixed criteria during the testing period.
In this method, coding based on logical algorithms has been used, with efforts made to achieve maximum accuracy in reducing errors, because the model is completely computerised.
With this mathematical model, where the computer is the decision-maker, identical results are obtained from all tests. This issue ensures that buyers can make their purchases with peace of mind, and Iranian turquoise can be presented as a brand in foreign markets as well.
The development of standardised grading systems has evolved significantly since the 1950s with the introduction of the “Four Cs”: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. Each criterion has specific standards that allow gemologists to evaluate and grade gemstones consistently.
Professional certification processes typically require 4-6 weeks for laboratory grading, with rigorous standards requiring nothing less than 100 percent accuracy in assessment protocols.
AI and machine learning are revolutionising gem identification by using advanced computer vision systems combined with traditional colourimeters, significantly reducing human error in quality assessment. These systems employ sophisticated algorithms that can process multiple data streams simultaneously, providing consistent and reproducible results.
The development of a comprehensive turquoise authentication system requires:
For the successful implementation of digital authentication systems, the industry must address:
The integration of blockchain technology with digital certification could provide immutable records of turquoise authenticity and provenance. This combination of computer vision analysis with distributed ledger technology could create an unprecedented level of trust in the gemstone market.
To establish Iranian turquoise as a globally recognised standard, the following initiatives are recommended:
The scientific approach to turquoise authentication positions Iranian turquoise advantageously in the global market by:
The development of advanced image processing and artificial intelligence systems for turquoise authentication represents a significant step forward in preserving and promoting Iran’s gemmological heritage. By combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, the Iranian turquoise industry can establish objective standards that will be recognised globally.
The computerised assessment model ensures consistent, reproducible results that eliminate subjective evaluation errors. This scientific approach not only protects buyers by providing reliable quality information but also positions Iranian turquoise as a premium brand in international markets.
The value of luxury goods, particularly investment-grade gemstones, is influenced by their origin and authenticity, often resulting in differences worth millions of dollars. By implementing comprehensive digital authentication systems, Iran can capture this premium value for its exceptional turquoise resources.
The success of this initiative requires collaboration between gemmologists, computer scientists, industry stakeholders, and government authorities. Through coordinated effort and continued technological advancement, Iranian turquoise can maintain its historical significance while meeting the demands of modern global markets.
The future of turquoise authentication lies in the seamless integration of traditional gemmological expertise with advanced digital analysis, creating a new standard for quality assessment that serves both heritage preservation and commercial success. This technological transformation ensures that the azure treasures of Nishapur will continue to be valued and treasured by future generations, backed by the confidence that comes from scientific certification and global recognition.
Part 1: Introduction and Hermeneutical Foundations of Persian turquoise This article is a three-part series exploring the deep cultural significance of turquoise in Persian literature
Nishapur Turquoise: Deep in the arid mountains of northeastern Iran, where the ancient Silk Road once carried precious goods between East and West, lies one
How a humble mineral from Nishapur became heaven’s messenger on earth Persian Turquoise: In the ancient city of Nishapur, where the Silk Road once carried
Discover the Beauty of Natural Persian Turquoise: Handmade Jewellery Collection
