The gemological sciences have grown in scope and technology at a high rate over
the last 5-10 years. The basic vital instruments for gemological purposes such as
microscopes, refractive indexes, specific gravities, fluorescence and others have
been used for more than half a century. But with the onset of advanced treatments
in gemstones today, advanced sciences have been introduced in the field to identify
these.
Now it is necessary to use highly developed instrumentation in many of the gem materials
examined today. Depending on the type of treatments used, the price of the gemstone
should reflect accordingly. It is now necessary to have sophisticated laboratory
equipment to make a judgment on most gemstones today. These stones need to be identified
accurately.
The following are the most well-equipped, trained, experienced and respected laboratories
in the world. Most have gemologists on staff that have dedicated their entire careers
to the study of gemstones and the many treatments that they undergo. These laboratories
are used by the gemstone trade, the public, and the research community. They are
dedicated to the advancement of gemstone knowledge and crystal sciences.
If you do not see a laboratory below that you were told is reputable; then we suggest
you ask that laboratory some more questions about what qualifications it has. Gem
laboratories are not flawless, but the below laboratories all belong to an international
organization that has very strict credentials for membership. The LMHC (The Laboratory
Harmonization Committee) shares research data with each member and has very high
standards which need to be met in order to remain part of the organization. Uniform
grading and reporting is consistent throughout this group. The reputation of one
is dependant on many, so all members are very careful and concise in reporting,
for this reason we strongly suggest that you only rely on a laboratory report from
the following laboratories:
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GIA Gem Lab (Gemological Institute of America)
This is considered the premiere diamond grading laboratory in the world. Most people
that have shopped for a diamond will usually be familiar with this lab. It is the
oldest and most widely used gemological laboratory in the world and most respected
in diamond grading.
http://www.gia.edu
Click here for the
text on the reverse side of the GIA Report.
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AGTA-GTC (American Gem Trade Association Gemstone Testing Center)
Considered the premiere colored stone laboratory in the USA, if not the world. Obviously
we choose to use this more than any other lab due to its exceptional reputation
in research, technology, staff, and ethics.
UPDATE: As of July 2009, The AGTA lab was forced to close due to the severe economic
recession. The American Gem Trade Association at this time has no plans to reopen
the laboratory. The Natural Sapphire Company has successfully purchased all of the
AGTA’s advanced gemological equipment and hired the AGTA’s laboratory
technology director.
Click
here for the text on the reverse side of the AGTA Sapphire Report.
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Gubelin Gem Lab
If you are in Europe, the Gubelin laboratory is the equivalent to the AGTA lab.
It has a long history and an excellent staff. If you don’t see many laboratory
reports from this lab in the USA it is because of the large shipping costs associated
with shipping high value stones overseas for reporting. Usually, European collectors
are most familiar with this lab. The Gubelin lab also does diamond and pearl reporting
as well. We recommend it highly.
http://www.gubelinlab.com
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SSEF Lab
The SSEF (Swiss Gemological Institute) is another leading laboratory in Europe.
It has not been in business as long as some other European labs, but is considered
to be as reputable and a reliable laboratory. Professor Dr. Hänni has pioneered
some very important research and testing within the diffusion identification process
in sapphires. He continues to be a leader within the trade on this important subject.
We recommend the SSEF highly.
http://www.ssef.ch
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GAAJ Lab
The GAAJ (Gemological Association of All Japan) is the premiere laboratory in Japan
and Asia. Japan has a large market for fine gemstones, and this lab continues to
lead the world in the volume of certificates issued on colored gemstones. Unfortunately
it had an experience of falling victim to not catching some new treatments entering
the Asian market (diffused Padparadschas), but has since upgraded its technology
and reliability.
http://www.gaaj-zenhokyo.co.jp/index.html
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CISGEM Lab
The CISGEM (Centre for Information and Services in Gemology) is a leading laboratory
in Italy. It was established in 1966 as a small laboratory by the Italian government,
but has since been privatized and is now widely used within Italy. It is part of
the LMHC, and maintains the levels of reliability in reporting on gemstones to be
a part of this exclusive group.
http://www.cisgem.camcom.it/Cos-e.htm
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GIT Lab
The GIT (Gem and Jewelry Testing Institute of Thailand) is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
Thailand is known to be the main trading and processing center for the colored gemstone
industry. Most treatments to gemstones happen in Bangkok and most of the laboratories
in Thailand should not be considered reliable. The GIT has been the only lab that
is committed to maintaining the highest ethical and quality reporting standards
needed in order to be a member of the LMHC. For this reason we recommend the GIT
and the acceptance of its reports..
http://www.git.or.th/eng/eng_index.htm
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Other Labs
If you are looking for information on a laboratory that is not listed here (part
of the LMHC international group) then you should seek at least a second opinion
on the reputation of the laboratory. The LMHC is not an "exclusive" marketing group
or organization seeking to bar competitor laboratories. Rather, it is an organization
that shares research and reporting information within the group so that that it
may always improve and maintain quality and accuracy. A laboratory that is not a
member of the LMHC is either not keeping strict standards or does not have the needed
equipment to accurately report on gemstones.
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