by Julius Zheng
AI will continue to support gemologists by improving consistency and efficiency, but it will not replace professional judgment. When technology and human expertise work together, that’s when the industry truly benefits. – Kennedy Ho, Chairman of Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS)
Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) was founded in 1978 and was Thailand’s first educational facility devoted to the study of gemstones. The school and the laboratory are located in the Jewelry Trade Center, on Silom Road, in the heart of the gem and jewellery district of Bangkok.
The AIGS school offers an Accredited Gemologist (A.G.) diploma and short courses such as introduction to gemology and jewelry design. With about 15,000 graduates from all over the world, it is one of the leading gemological institutes in Southeast Asia. The AIGS Gemological Laboratory was the first professional Gemological laboratory to be established in Asia (1978). The AIGS Gem Laboratory is very well known for its expertise in colored gemstones.
In this exclusive interview, Kennedy Ho, Chairman of Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) reveals his view on technology, data, and the future of gemology against the new backdrop of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI has become a major topic across many industries. How is AIGS approaching AI in gemology?
At AIGS, we see AI as a tool to support gemologists, not replace them. Gemology is a discipline built on observation, experience, and judgment. AI helps us become more systematic, more consistent, and more efficient but human expertise always remains at the center of final decisions.
Before discussing AI, you often refer to the evolution of technology. Why is that important?
AI didn’t appear overnight. Technology has evolved rapidly over the past few decades, and each stage has influenced how we work. I often show examples from early computers through to today’s systems to demonstrate how tools have changed, but the objective remains the same: improving accuracy, efficiency, and knowledge management.
What is the foundation of AI development at AIGS?
Data quality. Machine learning models depend entirely on the quality of the data they are trained on. If the data is inaccurate or poorly categorized, the output will be unreliable. At AIGS, we invest heavily in structured, well-categorized reference data.
AIGS is known for its inclusion database. Can you tell us more about that?
We started systematically capturing high-resolution micrographs in 2015. For each gemstone that we received in the lab, we typically document at least five micrographs, along with detailed descriptions. Inclusions are like fingerprints, no two gemstones are exactly the same. After nearly a decade, we have built a collection of millions of micrographs that now form the backbone of our AI training datasets.
How is AI currently being applied in the AIGS Laboratory?
One key area is inclusion type identification. Identifying inclusions correctly is essential not only for gemstone identification but also for detecting treatments. AI can help recognize patterns and narrow down possibilities more efficiently. We are also developing and testing models for origin determination. These tools assist gemologists, but they do not make final decisions.
Beyond the laboratory, how is AI influencing gemological education at AIGS? Is AIGS developing AI tools for students?
Education is a very important part of our mission. We have transitioned from paper-based worksheets to digital systems across our Accredited Gemologist (A.G.) Diploma Course. Each student uses an iPad with a personalized profile and digital worksheets. This makes learning more interactive and allows instructors to track progress more effectively. We are working on an AI-powered learning assistant that allows students to ask questions and receive quick, validated answers. The goal is to encourage curiosity and independent learning while ensuring the information remains accurate and aligned with our curriculum.
Some professionals worry that AI may replace human expertise. How do you respond to that concern?
That concern is understandable, but at AIGS, AI is not designed to replace people. It helps us organize knowledge, reduce repetitive tasks, and support decision-making. Ultimately, gemology requires responsibility, ethics, and experience, qualities that only humans can provide.
Looking ahead, what role do you see AI playing in the future of gemology?
AI will continue to support gemologists by improving consistency and efficiency, but it will not replace professional judgment. When technology and human expertise work together, that’s when the industry truly benefits.
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