Authenticity
How We Verify
Every Stone
No stone enters our collection without independent verification. Here is exactly what that process involves — and why it matters for every buyer.
Visual & Loupe Examination
Every stone is examined under 10x magnification using a jeweller's loupe and a gemological microscope. We look for natural inclusions that confirm the stone is genuine, check for signs of treatment, and assess overall quality.
Natural inclusion patterns consistent with claimed species
No surface-reaching fractures filled with glass or resin
Colour distribution and zoning consistent with natural formation
Cut quality, symmetry, and proportions
Treatment Detection
Detecting treatment in coloured gemstones requires expertise and instrumentation. We look for telltale signs of heating, diffusion, filling, and coating before sending stones for laboratory confirmation.
Dissolved rutile silk or altered inclusions (signs of heating)
Flux residues or glass-filled cavities (signs of fracture filling)
Colour concentrations at facet junctions (signs of diffusion treatment)
Surface coatings or thin-film enhancements
Laboratory Certification
Every significant stone is submitted to an independent, internationally accredited gemological laboratory for formal certification. We use GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and GRS (GemResearch SwissLab) — two of the world's most respected authorities.
Gemstone identification (species and variety confirmed)
Treatment determination ("no indications of heating" for unheated stones)
Country of origin determination where possible
Colour grade assessment (GRS assigns standardised colour names)
Origin Determination
Geographic origin affects both value and authenticity claims. Laboratories determine origin using trace element chemistry (measured by LA-ICP-MS or EDXRF) and inclusion analysis — matching a stone's internal fingerprint to known geological deposits.
Trace element ratios (iron, titanium, vanadium, chromium, gallium)
Inclusion suites characteristic of specific localities
Spectroscopic signatures matching reference databases
Cross-referencing multiple lines of evidence for confidence
Documentation & Photography
Once certified, each stone is photographed and filmed under controlled, standardised conditions. The laboratory certificate, photographs, and any relevant video become part of the stone's permanent documentation.
Standardised daylight-equivalent photography
Indoor and natural lighting images for colour accuracy
Video showing the stone's play of light and any phenomena
Laboratory certificate scanned and stored digitally
Our Laboratories
Who certifies our stones
Gemological Institute of America
The world's most widely recognised gemological authority. GIA set the standard for diamond grading and is equally authoritative for coloured stones. A GIA report is accepted by every major auction house, dealer, and insurer worldwide.
- Gold standard for identification and treatment disclosure
- Universally recognised and accepted
- Consistent and conservative grading methodology
GemResearch SwissLab
A Swiss laboratory founded by Dr. Adolf Peretti, specialising in coloured gemstones. GRS is particularly valued for its colour grading system (assigning trade names like "Royal Blue" and "Pigeon Blood") and its expertise in origin determination.
- Industry-leading colour grading with standardised trade names
- Exceptional origin determination methodology
- Deep expertise in sapphires, rubies, and emeralds
Understanding Your Certificate
What a laboratory report tells you
A gemological certificate is not a valuation — it is an independent factual statement about the stone's identity, treatment history, and origin. Here are the key fields:
Identification
Confirms the stone's species and variety — e.g. "Natural Corundum, variety: Sapphire." This rules out synthetics, simulants, and misidentified species.
Treatment
States whether the stone shows signs of enhancement. The most important statement for unheated stones: "No indications of heating." Other possible disclosures include heated, diffusion-treated, or fracture-filled.
Origin
Geographic origin based on trace element chemistry and inclusion analysis — e.g. "Sri Lanka (Ceylon)." Origin affects value significantly. Some labs give origin with stated confidence levels.
Colour Grade
GRS assigns standardised colour names (Royal Blue, Cornflower Blue, Pigeon Blood, Vivid Pink). GIA describes colour but does not use trade-grade terminology for sapphires.
Measurements & Weight
Precise dimensions (length × width × depth in mm) and carat weight measured to two decimal places. These allow independent verification of the stone's identity.
Comments
Additional observations — e.g. "the colour of this stone may be referred to as 'Royal Blue' in the trade." Comments can significantly influence value and marketability.
Need help reading a certificate?
If you have a laboratory report and aren't sure what it says, send it to us. We'll explain every field in plain language — no charge, no obligation.
Request a Certificate Review