Proper Guideline About Gems Certification
Gemstones are an asset if you choose to preserve them, albeit the beautiful jewelry they make, both for party wear and everyday wear. However, what if you bought one without a gems certification?
Will that have the same value or, for that matter, resale value? Don’t you think certified jewelry will have guaranteed buyers should you choose to sell them?
Of course, gemstone certification could be a long, arduous process, but it is important. So, whenever you buy it from a jeweler or an individual, ask for proper documentation.
WHAT IS GEMS CERTIFICATION?
Gems certification means to determine the difference between synthetic and natural gemstones and their clarity.
The Certificate or gemstone report also helps to get information related to stone cut origin, clarity, weight, measurements, transparency, color, and shape.
All these details are mentioned in that report by using the most advanced gemological techniques and equipment.
IMPORTANCE OF GEM INFORMATION IMPORTANT
Gemstone information is an important factor that everyone has to know when buying or after buying any gemstone.
This information helps you increase the appearance and durability of gemstones. It also helps with the buying and identification of natural and lab-created stones.
CERTIFICATION OF GEMSTONES MAY INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:
About whether the gemstone is natural or fake(synthetic).
Non-heated and non-heated gemstones.
Color Quality of the Gemstone.
Weight of gemstone in carats.
Type of cut of the stone.
The specific gravity of that stone.
Hardness in Moh’s Scale.
The refractive index of the gem.
The specific gravity of the gem
Some of the most respected Gemological Institutes are the Gemological Institutes of America (Mumbai), The Gem Testing Laboratory (India), Gemlab, and the IGI (India).
These organizations meet even international standards. Because of the way they treat each case, analyzing the gemstones thoroughly and giving away all the information that is required from the buyers or the sellers.
GETTING A GEMS CERTIFICATION
Always ensure that while buying any gemstone, it gets proper certification. Therefore, try to avoid the following factors:
Any verbal communication from the jeweler about the stone.
Certificate Related Issues.
ENSURING THE GEMSTONES
Buy certified gemstones online, and you can ensure them easily because insurance agencies for gemstones ask this question first if you go to ensure gems.
Securing your jewelry can help ensure your jewelry insurance quotes, but one also needs to maintain the jewelry. Otherwise, there will be minimal to no coverage.
However, if your main agenda is to lower the insurance premiums, ensure that the coverage does not demand security measures at home to protect your collection.
In certain certifications, if the jewelry stays in the house, the premium could be less.
What if the piece is made up of a number of low-value pieces? In that case, blanket coverage is the best option. The total collection can be insured or its entire value.
In case of damage or loss of a particular item, you may receive a percentage of the insurance or a cost that is limited to that specific item.
A gem testing report for up to 10 carats of a gem may cost Rs 500 per stone; for mounted gemstones, the cost would be Rs 700 and above; for rough gemstones of up to 10 gm, it would cost around Rs 1000 per stone.
Likewise, there are different grades for diamond grading reports and diamond jewelry certification.
HOW TO VERIFY A GEMSTONE CERTIFICATE
Given the increasing sophistication of gemstone counterfeiting, it’s crucial to verify the authenticity of a gemstone certification. Here’s how you can do it:
Check the Certification Number: Every certified gemstone should have a unique certification number. Most reputable laboratories allow you to verify the report online through their database. Enter the report number on the lab’s official website to confirm its validity.
Verify the Issuing Body: Ensure that a recognized and reputable gemological lab issues the certificate. Counterfeit certificates may have the names of fake or lesser-known labs, so research the certification body if you’re unsure.
Cross-Check Information: Verify that the details on the certificate (carat weight, color, dimensions, etc.) match the gemstone. Even small discrepancies may indicate a forged or misrepresented certificate.
Look for Holograms and Security Features: Many certification bodies incorporate holograms, watermarks, and other security features into their certificates to prevent forgery.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABORATORY CERTIFICATIONS AND IN-HOUSE CERTIFICATIONS
In the gemstone industry, you may come across both laboratory certifications and in-house certifications.
Laboratory Certifications: These are issued by independent gemological laboratories. They are regarded as more reliable and trustworthy because the labs operate independently of gemstone sellers, ensuring objectivity and accuracy.
In-House Certifications: Some jewelers and gemstone dealers provide their certification. While this may be convenient, in-house certificates may need more impartiality and accuracy from independent labs. When possible, always opt for an independent certification.
COMMON PITFALLS WHEN PURCHASING A CERTIFIED GEMSTONE
Even when a gemstone is certified, there are pitfalls to watch out for:
Misleading or Incomplete Information: Some certifications may omit vital details, such as gemstone treatments, which can affect the stone’s value. Ensure that the certificate provides full disclosure of any enhancements.
Overgrazing: Some certification bodies are known to grade gemstones more leniently than others. For example, an “E” color grade in one lab might be graded as an “F” by another. Research the reputation of the certification body before making a purchase.
Counterfeit Certificates: Fake gemstone certificates are not uncommon. Always verify the certificate through the issuing lab’s official website to ensure it is genuine.
Assumed Value of Certificates: A certification confirms a gemstone’s characteristics, but it does not necessarily assign value. Buyers should still seek multiple appraisals to determine a fair market price.
Certification is an essential part of purchasing or selling gemstones. It provides peace of mind for buyers, helping them ensure that they are getting what they pay for while also providing sellers with a means to justify the pricing of high-quality stones. By choosing a gemstone with a reliable, independent certification, both parties can engage in transactions with confidence, backed by the expertise and assessment of professionals.