Gemstone Certification Guide

Gemstone Certification

Those shopping for gemstone jewellery might want to know a bit more about the stone or stones that they are about to buy. Some are looking for specific birthstones, anniversary stones, or other Gemstone Occasions and need help finding the right stone for a particular event. Others are simply attracted by the spectacular colour, fire and brilliance of fine Gemstone Jewellery and are interested in current fashion trends. Those who are familiar with shopping for fine jewellery might be looking for detailed gemmological information, such as a gemstone certificate or gemstone report.

It is rare to find a retailer offering gemstone jewellery with complimentary gemstone certifications. However, most reputable jewelers almost always list the basic attributes and qualities of the stone they are selling. These typically include size, colour, clarity, weight, and dimension. Those interested in procuring a special identification number and a detailed analysis of their gemstone characteristics might want to consider submitting their gemstone or gemstone jewellery to be laboratory certified.

What is a Gemstone Certificate?

A gemstone certificate or gemstone report is an official document issued by a licensed gemological laboratory that states the characteristics and qualities of your gemstone. Unlike Diamond Grading Reports, gemstone certificates do not include any quality grading or present any standardized grading scales.

A number of gemological laboratories offer gemstone certification services, the most reputable being the Gemological Institute of America, or the GIA. The GIA offers several options for those looking to have their gemstone professionally evaluated: A Coloured Stone Identification Report, a Coloured Stone Origin Report, or a Coloured Stone Analytical Report. These three documents serve as a way to map the stone and identify its specific properties and qualities.

GIA Coloured Stone Identification Report

These reports identify the material of your specific gemstone, outline its colour, transparency, shape, cut, dimensions, and weight, and include a digital colour photo of the stone. They also determine whether the gemstone is natural, synthetic, or a combination of the two, and report any perceptible enhancement treatments that the gem has undergone. Coloured Stone Identification Reports can be issued for any polished, rough, loose, or set gem.

GIA Coloured Stone Origin Reports

These reports offer the same information as the Identification Reports, adding only a place of origin, when possible to determine.

GIA Coloured Stone Analytical Reports

These reports offer the same information as the Identification Reports, and additionally provide the full data from which the assessments of the gemstone where established. This data may include visual spectroscopy, inclusions, refraction index, chemical analysis, and more. Only natural rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and tourmalines may have the geographic origin included upon request, when possible to determine.

We at Zoara are committed to helping our customers find the perfect piece of fine jewellery which is why we recommend that you visit our expansive Jewellery Learning Centre to learn more about engagement rings and wedding rings.