Provenance

Certifications Explained

An independent lab report is the closest thing the gem trade has to an objective second opinion. Here's what we track, and why it matters.

Why It Matters

Certification Is Fact, Not Marketing

A certificate from a recognised gemological laboratory confirms a stone's identity and, in many cases, its treatment status and origin. We don't grade or endorse any lab over another - we simply track the certificate number a seller provides so buyers can independently verify it against the issuing lab's own records.

Recognised Labs

Labs We Track Certificates From

GIA

Gemological Institute of America - the global benchmark for diamond and coloured stone grading reports.

AIGS

Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences, Bangkok - specialises in Southeast Asian coloured stones.

GRS

GemResearch Swisslab - known for detailed origin and treatment reports on ruby, sapphire, and emerald.

HRD

HRD Antwerp - Belgian diamond and gemstone grading institute.

Gubelin

Gübelin Gem Lab, Switzerland - recognised for rigorous origin-determination reports.

AGL

American Gemological Laboratories - US-based laboratory specialising in coloured stone identification.

Lotus Gemology

Bangkok-based laboratory specialising in ruby, sapphire, and spinel origin reports.

SSEF

Swiss Gemmological Institute - known for advanced origin and treatment analysis.

IGI

International Gemological Institute - one of the largest independent gem and jewellery certification organisations worldwide.

ICA

Certification body affiliated with the International Colored Gemstone Association.

Checking a Certificate

How to Verify a Certificate Number

Every certified listing on Gemplore displays the issuing lab and certificate number. Most labs offer a free lookup tool on their own website - search the certificate number there to confirm it was issued for a stone matching the listing's description. If anything doesn't match, contact us before proceeding.

Continue Learning

Go Deeper

Understand the terms and grades behind every certificate.

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Gem Certifications Explained - Gemplore