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By Gavin Clarke Reviewed By Andreas Zabczyk May 21, 2010 Updated Jan 22, 2019

Certified Gemstones

In the gemstone trade, many gemstones offered for sale are certified to guarantee their authenticity. As a buyer, it is important to understand the different forms of certification, and the types of agencies that provide these certificates.

First, it is critical to understand the difference between an identification report and an appraisal. A gemstone identification report is issued by a trained gemologist, and summarizes the results of scientific testing of the gemstone. On the other hand, an appraisal is an attempt to estimate the financial value of the item and is issued by an appraiser who may or may not be certified. An appraisal is essentially an opinion based on market knowledge, whereas an identification report is the result of objective measurement.

Although many buyers are concerned above all with the value of their gemstone, a dependable identification report is actually more worthwhile. An identification report will state whether your gemstone is natural or synthetic, and whether (in the case of a natural gem) it has been treated in some way. Clearly this information is essential in order to provide a financial appraisal of the gem.

In principle, any trained gemologist could issue an identification report on a gemstone. But in practice, gemstone dealers depend on independent gemological laboratories for certification of their gems. There are several reasons for this. First, it is unethical for dealers to issue certificates for gems that they are selling, due to potential conflicts of interest. Secondly, modern gem identification requires sophisticated diagnostic equipment that is expensive and complicated to use. The best gemological labs also see many thousands of gems each year, so they have experience that far exceeds that of any individual gemologist.

Detecting gem treatments is the most demanding task faced by gemological labs. Treatments include simple heat treatment, fracture-filling, irradiation and diffusion treatment with various chemicals. Gemologists use a variety of techniques to detect these treatments, including microscopic examination of gem inclusions, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXF) spectrometry, laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry.

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Overall Rating -> 8

order arrieved earlier than expected. item was as advertised.

Posted By Amerhyst in November, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

This is the most convenient way to shop for gemstones. They have such a wide selection to look through and some of the best prices online. I have shopped on many gemstone websites but now I only shop with Gem Select.

Posted By Zac in July, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 8

purchased birthstones to be mounted into stud earrings as a gift for a friend's gift

Posted By MI photo in May, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

After working with and polishing low-grade, rough fire-agate, only to be disappointed, this shop was nirvana. The costs of some gems might seem high, but I have easily spent the same amount rough polishing lousy material only to get a few hints of fire. If you want Fire-agates, BUY the agates you want. These are excellent specimens and are worth considering.

Posted By Jim in October, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

This is probably the fourth time I havebought gems at Gem Select, I have never been disappointed. I design a ring for myself, it is easier to buy the gems I want and take them to a jeweler. I am sure I will order gems again.

Posted By Sunny in December, 2022

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

It was fast purchasing procesos, very clear and precise, loved It

Posted By Sebastian in March, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Overall Rating -> 10

Great selection that I couldn't find locally and very good and prompt shipping and delivery via Fedex.

Posted By Gala in January, 2023

Source: Bizrate

Gemstone Treatments

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