Buying a gemstone should be a pleasurable, simple process, but given the  

With a high number of natural/gemstone dealers and suppliers, as well as the different types (natural, treated, synthetic, composite, and imitation) of natural stones available to consumers today, it is difficult for gemstone buyers to know if they are getting the best possible price as well as something authentic. Because of this, having a certification for your gemstones is so important and enables you as a consumer to purchase with confidence.

At GemstonesForSale, it is our mission to provide all our customers with an open, easy, and stress-free shopping experience. When you receive your gemstone from us, you should request your third-party certificate of authenticity upon receipt. Regardless of your gemstone's type or treatment, you simply need to share the details with us, and we will coordinate with an accredited laboratory so that we can provide you with an exact report of authenticity.

This guide will walk you step-by-step through understanding the certification of your gemstone, its importance, and how to obtain a copy of your report.

What Is Gemstone Certification?

A scientific evaluation of gemstones from an accredited laboratory, called a Gemological Laboratory (GL), is referred to as gemstone certification. Using a number of high-tech instruments, a lab will assess the composition of a gemstone in order to determine if it is natural, treated, or synthetic. Based on this assessment, the gemstone will receive certification (which may also be referred to as a gemstone identification certificate or gemstone grading certificate). This certificate will include all important details about the gemstone, including weight and measurements. In layman's terms, gemstone certification is the only scientific and objective proof that your gemstone is authentic.

Whether you are purchasing a ruby, sapphire, emerald, diamond, pearl, or other precious stone, it is important to use an appropriate laboratory that can provide you with the proper certification. A gemstone certificate is your promise that the gemstone is what it claims to be. Without a gemstone certificate, you are putting your faith solely in the seller. This can be extremely dangerous in today's marketplace.

When it comes to astrological gemstones, gemstone certification is particularly critical in determining whether they possess the necessary attributes (such as being pure, originating from natural sources, and being free from any type of enhancement) to qualify them as effective astrological stones.

Why Is Gemstone Certification So Important?

Gemstones may be certified by gemological labs. This benefits both the buyer and seller of a gemstone, since it promotes transparency of the stone, and visual inspection alone is not sufficient to prove authenticity. Even gemologists will often use laboratory equipment to differentiate between synthetic or treated stones.

Here are a few points to understand the importance of gemstone certification:

Ensures Authenticity

• A certification tells buyers if a gemstone is a natural, lab-grown, imitation, or treated stone. It is essential for those who buy gems for astrological purposes to ensure they have an authentic stone.

• When you purchase a certified gemstone, you can be confident that you are receiving an authentic stone.

Protects Buyers Against Fraud

• In some countries, treated or lab-grown stones are sold as natural gemstones, and a gemstone certification is a protection to buyers against this deceptive selling practice.

Confirmation of Quality and Characteristics

• A gemstone grading certificate includes the following characteristics of the stone: weight, clarity, color, cut, inclusion, and treatment. These characteristics determine both the aesthetic beauty and the price of a gemstone.

Increased Confidence and Resale Value

• Certified gemstones have a better resale value than non-certified gemstones. The sale of certified stones provides buyers and collectors with greater confidence in their purchase, as the lab report provides an accurate description of the stone.

For use in Astrology

• In astrological standards, purity is required for all gemstones used in astrological applications, and the gemstone certification guarantees that an astrological gemstone has met the necessary standards.

Types of Gemstone Certification 

There are many different kinds of gemstone certifications based on many factors, such as which authority the lab has that created the gemstone certificate, what type of report, and what type of depth of testing is included in the certificate.

Here is a summary of the general categories of the different types of gemstone certification you will find.

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Types of Certification Based on Laboratory Authority

International Gemological Laboratories 

International Laboratory Certifications are issued through labs that have earned a reputation worldwide for their accurate reporting and rigid adherence to well-established grading systems. Examples of these internationally recognized labs include

• GIA (Gemological Institute of the United States)

• IGI (International Gemological Institute)

• GRS (GemResearch Swisslab)

• AGL (American Gem Laboratory)

• Gubelin

• SSEF

Reports from these laboratories will generally be accepted worldwide, making them the best option to use when dealing with high-priced gemstones and collectible items, and for buyers looking to invest in precious gemstone collections.

National and Regional Laboratory 

Nationally and regionally based laboratories typically offer reliable certification methods at reasonable prices. Examples of these types of laboratories include:

• GII (Gemological Institute of India)

• GTL (Gem Testing Lab)

• SGL (Solitaire Gem Labs)

• IGI India Division

These labs follow proper protocols when it comes to testing gemstones and are a reliable source for buyers to obtain a certificate for their mid-range gemstones, as well as for retail jewelry purchases.

Private Laboratory Certificates 

Numerous private and independent laboratories operate in most towns and cities and through numerous online marketplaces. While some private labs are exceptionally reputable, others lack the same level of rigor and consistency in the way they do their testing. Therefore, you must understand this before using any of their services.

Reputable labs have always been used by GemstonesForSale, and we believe that our clients can feel totally secure about their certification choices.

Types Based on Report Depth and Format

Basic Gemstone Identification 

This provides essential details, including:

• gemstone species and variety

• carat weight

• color description

• shape and cut

• refractive index and basic optical checks

Ideal for budget to mid-range stones.

Full Gemstone Grading Report 

A deeper examination that includes:

• clarity grade

• transparency level

• spectrum analysis

• internal features

• precise measurements

• inclusions chart

• advanced optical properties

This is recommended for premium gemstones.

Treatment/Enhancement Report 

This focuses on detecting any enhancement, such as

• heating

• diffusion

• dye

• irradiation

• resin/glass filling

• oiling

Vital for high-value gemstones where treatments significantly impact worth.

Origin Report 

Some gemstones gain value from their geographic origin.
For example:

• Burmese ruby

• Ceylon sapphire

• Colombian emerald

This report is complex and typically performed only by high-end international labs.

What Information Does a Gemstone Certificate Include 

A real gemstone certification is clear, specific, and full of information. Here's what you will find inside a standard, well-respected certificate.

The Complete Gemstone Certification Process

When you understand how certifications work, you become more assured that what you are buying is a legitimate product.

 The following outlines the steps involved in sending a stone to a gemologist: 

Step 1 - Submit the Gemstone to a Lab.

A gemstone will then be assigned a unique ID number, cleaning will occur, and documentation regarding the gemstone will take place.

Step 2 - Preliminary Inspection.

The first step is a preliminary inspection. Gemologists will examine the stone's colour, clarity, shape, weight, and transparency.

Step 3 - Scientific Testing.

Gemologists will use state-of-the-art equipment to analyze the stone. Gemologists use:

Refractometers, polariscopes, spectroscopes, microscopes, ultraviolet light, and density testing.

To identify the stone type, the scientific testing will determine whether the stone is natural or synthetic (man-made).

Step 4 - Treatment Detection

Gemologists can identify chemical treatments (heat treatment, dyeing, fillers, etc.) through the use of magnification, spectroscopy, study of inclusions, and luminescence patterns.

Step 5 - Geographic Origin Analysis

For higher values of gems, leading laboratories use spectral patterns and inclusions to identify where the gem originated from.

Step 6 - Certificate Preparation

After collecting all of the evidence, the certificate is formally prepared.

Step 7 - Final Verification & Certificate Printing.

To ensure that the report is as accurate as possible, it is common practice for a second gemologist to validate the findings from the laboratory report before printing the laboratory certificate.

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How To Verify If The Gemstone Certificate is Genuine 

In this digital age, it is possible to falsify certificates. You can protect yourself from fraud by verifying the authenticity of your gemstone.

1. Online Verification

The majority of credible laboratories will allow you to verify a certificate's authenticity through:

• entering a certificate number on their website

• scanning a QR code

• checking an online database for that gemstone's characteristics against another source

2. Photographs and Other Characteristics

Make sure the gemstone in your possession matches the:

• photograph

• dimensions

• weight

• documented description of the color

3. Security Features

Check for a:

• holographic label

• embossed stamp or seal of approval

• signature from the Gemologist

• printed QR code

• tamper-proof laminate

4. Reputation of Laboratory

When purchasing gemstones, it is also important that you only purchase them from:

• accredited laboratories

• well-known national/international institutes

• laboratories with a strong online presence

Be cautious about purchasing from small or unknown laboratories.

Certified vs. Non-Certified Gemstones 

In today's digital world, falsifying certificates has become increasingly possible, so verifying that all gemstones or any other item that you are purchasing are authentic will limit the chance of fraud against yourself.

Knowing what the difference is between certified gemstones and gem-quality gemstones will help you make purchasing decisions that are based on knowledge about the quality of the item.

Certified gemstones are:

• Expertly verified

• Transparent and honest

• Equitably priced

• Astrologically safe

• Buyers and jewelers trust them

• They can be resold easily

• They have documented authentication

Non-certified gemstones are: 

• Unverifiable identities

• An undeniable chance of being synthetic or treated gemstones

• They tend to be overpriced

• Risks associated with their astrological influences

• They will not resell easily

• There is no accountability of the seller (jeweler) for their non-certified gemstones.

Certification removes apprehension and builds trust, while not having a certification creates uncertainty and diminishes trust.

Gemstones Certification Cost 

The price of gemstone certification varies among different gemstones, laboratories, and levels of science used to produce the certificate. Generally, in the U.S. and around the world, the cost ranges from $10 to more than $300, depending on how much you want to know about a gemstone.

Here are some examples of what you might receive with various types of certification:

1. Basic Identification — $10 to $40

A basic identification includes:

• Identifying whether a gemstone is natural, synthetic, or imitation

• Simple physical examinations, such as refractive index and UV fluorescence

• A brief identification statement (not a complete grading report) that confirms a gemstone is a real gemstone

This is the best option for someone looking to verify the authenticity of their gemstone.

2. Standard/Gemstone Certificate/Complete Report — $40 to $120

The standard certificate includes:

• Complete identification of the gemstone

• The weight of the gemstone in carats, the color of the gemstone, the clarity, and the style of cut of the gemstone

• Basic tests for treated gemstones (heat, dye, radiation, and coating)

• A printed certificate with an attached serial number and photograph

• Specific, secure features, such as a hologram or QR code, are available for most purchasers of gemstone certificates.

The standard report is the most common purchase for those who buy jewelry.

3. Advanced Gemstone Analysis — $80 to $250

An advanced certification includes more advanced testing, including:

• Microscopic analysis of inclusions within gemstones

• More extensive methods to identify treatments

• Using a spectroscope and FTIR testing

• Using a large number of high-resolution photographs in the certificate of the gemstone

• More detailed and in-depth information regarding the gemstone and its characteristics.

These certifications are the highest standard of certification for colored gemstones, especially for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, alexandrite, spinel, and top-quality semi-precious stones.

4. Premium Origin Report—Average Cost: $150 to $350+

The Premium Origin Report is the most detailed type of certification, and therefore, the most expensive type of certification, as detailed information about the origin of the gemstone is required, such as:

• Burmese Ruby

• Sapphire from Kashmir or Ceylon

• Emerald from Colombia

• Emerald from Zambia

• Sapphire from Madagascar

This certification will be recognized by serious collectors and other investors, as well as the scientific community.

5. International Laboratory Certificates (GIA, GRS, IGI, and AGL)—Average Cost: $80 to $300+

The cost of GIA gemstone certificates, as well as IGI, GRS, and AGL certifications, will generally be higher due to the fact that these laboratories are recognized as providing international certification. The advantages of these labs include

• The highest certification standards available.

• The highest potential resale value.

• The highest internationally recognized standards for gemstones.

• The highest degree of scientific testing available using high-technology instruments.

When you want the best possible value for your money, you should look for GIA, IGI, GRS, and AGL certifications.

6. Re-Certification or Duplicate Certificate—Average Cost: $20 to $60

If a certificate is lost or has become outdated, many laboratories provide certification. To receive a duplicate of your original certificate, you will have to resubmit the stone for testing, and once the testing is complete, the laboratory will issue a new certificate.

How to Get Certificates for Stones Purchased From GemstonesForSale?

At GemstonesForSale.com, purchasing a gemstone is easy, but if you would like to obtain an official laboratory certification, follow these steps.

After you purchase your gemstone:

1. Email us.

2. Provide us with your order details.

3. Request that we certify your gemstone.

Once you have contacted us and provided us with your order details, we will submit your gemstone to a reputable laboratory for certification. This way, you will be able to have scientifically verified evidence and complete documentation regarding your gemstone's authenticity.

At GemstonesForSale.com, we have a strong commitment to being transparent and honest with our customers about how we source our gemstones. Therefore, when we certify your gemstone, it is another layer of verification to ensure that your gemstone is 100% natural.

Final Thoughts 

Gemstones represent beauty, energy, luxury, healing, and value. Today, there are numerous types of gemstones available. Consumer protection is afforded to buyers through the process of certifying gemstones. This is done by verifying that the gemstone is what the seller said it was (i.e., that it is real), that there was no alteration done to enhance the color, clarity, or other qualities of a gemstone, providing grading of quality (quality rating of a gemstone), verifying prices, and increasing confidence in purchases of gemstones.

Whether you are interested in purchasing a gemstone for astrology, jewelry, investing, or gifting to someone, a certified gemstone always gives you more faith in its worth and is likely to be of higher quality than an uncertified gemstone will ever provide.

At GemstonesForSale.co, we strive to offer you a buying experience that is simple and hassle-free. If you would like your gemstone to be accompanied by an official certificate, all you need to do is ask us after your purchase, and we will handle the details for you. A beautiful gemstone is exceptional; a certified gemstone is extraordinary!

FAQ 

1. What is a certificate for a gemstone?

A certified gemstone report from a lab that confirms a gemstone's authenticity and gives more information.

2. Why is it important to get certified?

It keeps you from buying fake stones and makes sure you know what you're getting.

3. Which certification is best for gemstones?

GIA, IGI, GRS, and other Indian labs that are known for their work, such as GII and IGITL.

4. How can I check the validity of a gemstone certificate?

You can find the report number on the lab's website or by scanning the QR code.

5. What does a certificate for a gemstone include?

The type, weight, color, clarity, treatments, and whether the gem is real or fake.

6. What is the price of certification?

Basic tests cost about ₹300, detailed reports cost between ₹1,500 and ₹5,000, and premium origin reports cost more than ₹10,000.

7. Is it possible to certify a gemstone that I already own?

Yes. You can send any gemstone to a lab that is known.

8. Does GemstonesForSale give out certificates?

Yes. Once you buy a stone from us, give us your information, and we'll make sure it gets the right certification.

9. How do I get a gemstone certified?

Submit it to a trusted lab, or if you bought from GemstonesForSale, request certification after purchase.