Gem Lab

Gem Lab Services

We maintain state-of-the-art gemological equipment providing advanced gem testing to private individuals and the jewelry trade.

One of the best equipped appraisal gem-labs on the West Coast operating a suite of MagiLab spectrometers in combination with standard gemological equipment. An invaluable service for dealers purchasing jewelry from the public or individuals making an important buying decision.

• Gemstone and diamond identification

  Identity of gem species and variety such as Corundum - Sapphire or Ruby, Beryl - Emerald etc.
, including synthetic / lab grown / manmade gemstone identification

• Color grading

  Gemstone color descriptions are graded and recorded using GemDialogue and World of Color systems

  These color grades are documented so they may be reproduced for future reference when gemstone is not present.

• Quality grading

  Quality and value characteristics of the gemstone are assessed. These may include color distribution, clarity, polish, proportions, characteristics of phenomenal gemstones such as asterism (star), chatoyancy (cats-eye), color shift and color change

• *Gemstone treatments detection / opinion

  Loose (and some mounted) gemstones are tested and examined for characteristics (when present) that may detect gemstone enhancements such as fillers such as oil and polymers, heat treatment, irradiation, coating & dyes.

• *Gemstone country of origin opinion

  Loose gemstones are tested and examined for characteristics (when present) that may indicate the country of origin.

*These services are professional verbal opinions based on interpretation of gemological tests with current available data. We recommend this service as a preliminary step before submitting your gemstone to a major lab such as the GIA or AGL.