CERTIFICATION PARTNERS
Gemological Laboratory Partners
We work exclusively with internationally recognized gemological laboratories to ensure authenticity, quality verification, and investment-grade documentation for every stone.
Authenticity Assurance
Independent verification confirms natural origin, treatment disclosure, and quality characteristics.
Investment Protection
Certification from recognized labs ensures global resale liquidity and insurance acceptance.
International Standards
Reports accepted worldwide by auction houses, dealers, and collectors for transparent transactions.
Market Confidence
Third-party verification eliminates skepticism, enabling faster sales at fair market prices.
Our Laboratory Partners
We collaborate with the world's most respected gemological institutions for comprehensive certification services.
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
A globally respected non‑profit institute, established in 1931, recognized as a leading authority in gemology and colored stone grading, including emeralds. GIA reports are widely accepted by major auction houses, insurers, and collectors around the world.
Services We Use
Colored stone identification and grading reports
Origin opinions (including Colombian origin where determinable)
Treatment detection and disclosure
Laser inscription services where available
Turnaround & Pricing
Standard services typically completed within several weeks, with expedited options available in some locations
Fees vary by stone size, service type, and location, and are generally in the low‑to‑mid hundreds of dollars for smaller emeralds
Best For: Investment‑grade stones, US market, and international resale and auction submissions
Gübelin
Gübelin Gem Lab
A Swiss‑based, high‑end gemological laboratory renowned for its expertise in emeralds and detailed origin and provenance reporting. Gübelin reports are highly regarded at major auctions and among top‑tier collectors.
Services We Use
Comprehensive gemological reports
Origin reports with a strong focus on Colombian emeralds
Enhancement and treatment documentation
Provenance and historic research for select important stones
Turnaround & Pricing
Standard report times generally span several weeks, with more time required for in‑depth research reports
Fees reflect the premium nature of the service, commonly ranging from the mid‑hundreds to over one thousand dollars for significant emeralds
Best For: Exceptional high‑value stones, auction sales, and European and international connoisseur collectors.
AGL
American Gemological Laboratories
A specialist laboratory focused on colored gemstones, with strong expertise in emeralds and detailed enhancement documentation. AGL reports are well regarded by serious US collectors, dealers, and auction houses.
Services We Use
Full gemological reports
Origin reports (including Colombian origin where determinable)
Enhancement level grading and disclosure
Premium “Prestige”‑style reports for notable stones
Turnaround & Pricing
Standard turnaround is typically a few weeks, with priority options sometimes available
Pricing depends on stone size and report type, with many emerald reports in the low‑to‑mid hundreds of dollars and premium reports priced higher
Best For: US market, investment‑grade stones, and clients prioritizing transparent treatment and enhancement information.
CGL
Central Gem Laboratory
Japan’s leading gemological laboratory, with a strong presence in the Japanese and wider Asian markets. CGL reports are widely recognized by regional retailers, dealers, and collectors.
Services We Use
Gem identification and grading reports
Origin opinions where possible
Treatment detection and disclosure
Turnaround & Pricing
Known for efficient service, often completing standard reports within a relatively short timeframe
Generally cost‑effective compared with many international labs, with many standard emerald reports priced in the lower hundreds of dollars
Best For: Asian markets, value‑conscious buyers, and projects requiring recognized documentation with comparatively quick turnaround.
Colombian Labs
CDTEC & Selected Local Laboratories
Specialized Colombian gemological laboratories support our work at the source by providing local expertise and pre‑export documentation. These labs are especially useful for evaluating emeralds close to the mines.
Services We Use
Pre‑export evaluation of stones and parcels
Mine or region‑of‑origin indications within Colombia where possible
Preliminary quality assessment and basic treatment checks
Purpose
Used primarily for initial screening before international shipping
Helps confirm that characteristics match client requirements before investing in premium international certification
Best For: Pre‑shipment verification, parcel selection at the source, and preliminary documentation prior to submission to top‑tier international laboratories.
GSL
Gem Studies Laboratory (Sydney)
An independent gemological laboratory based in Sydney, Australia, known for its work with colored gemstones, including emeralds. GSL reports are widely used by Australian dealers, retailers, and collectors for reliable identification and treatment disclosure.
Services We Use
Gem identification reports for emeralds
Treatment detection and disclosure
Basic quality and characteristic documentation suitable for retail and trade use
Turnaround & Pricing
Typically offers relatively fast turnaround for standard services, depending on workload
Pricing is generally competitive and well suited to the Australian market, with fees for many emerald reports positioned in an accessible range for regular trade use
Best For: Australian market sales, locally focused documentation, and efficient reporting for day‑to‑day trading and retail.
Which Laboratory to Choose?
For US Market & General Investment: GIA offers a strong combination of international recognition, robust documentation, and practical turnaround, and is widely accepted by major auction houses, dealers, and insurers
For Exceptional Stones ($50k+): Gübelin provides highly prestigious reports that are well regarded in the high‑end market and can enhance confidence and salability for truly exceptional, museum‑quality pieces.
For Detailed Enhancement Disclosure: AGL is known for detailed treatment and enhancement analysis, providing in‑depth documentation that is especially valued by serious collectors and specialist dealers
For Asian Markets: CGL offers well‑recognized certification in Japan and broader Asia, combining local market acceptance with generally competitive pricing and efficient turnaround times.
For Australian Market: GSL (Gem Studies Laboratory, Sydney) is a leading independent laboratory in Australia, endorsed by key local industry bodies and widely used for diamond and colored gemstone identification and certification
For Colombian Sourcing & Pre‑Export: CDTEC and selected local Colombian laboratories provide on‑the‑ground evaluation, preliminary origin indications, and pre‑export documentation to screen stones at the source before sending them to top‑tier international labs.
Questions About Certification?
We'll help you select the appropriate laboratory based on your stone's characteristics, target market, and budget. Certification strategy is part of our service.