Gemmological laboratory

Our gemmological department is staffed by three fully qualified gemmologists, each holding credentials from the most esteemed gemmological institutions, including the Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA). Equipped with state-of-the-art gem identification and diamond testing technology, we are committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements to offer our clients accurate advice and safeguard them from misinformation and fraud.

We have a meticulous process where each item thoroughly examined before the client leaves it with us for repairs or valuations. This allows us to provide guidance on any chips and breaks, or damage to stones and settings. Additionally, all diamonds are scanned using our lab-grown diamond screeners to identify the presence of lab-grown diamonds. After any work is performed, items are rechecked to ensure they are returned in the same or improved condition.

Initial assessments are conducted under a gemmological microscope to evaluate wear and tear, and the possible identity of your stone. If we determine that a stone is a diamond, we use specialized equipment to ascertain whether it is natural, or lab grown. Suspected lab-grown diamonds undergo advanced spectroscopy tests to confirm their nature. Results from these tests are analysed and interpreted by our experienced gemmologists to provide you with the most accurate feedback and advice.

In our Gemmological department we offer a range of services to best benefit our clients.

JEWELLERY SERVICES
Valuations:
Includes insurance valuations, and estate valuations based on the quality and market value of your jewellery.
Jewellery Evaluation:
Assessment of gemstones set in jewellery.
Repair Guidance:
Advice on jewellery repair and restoration.

GEMSTONES SERVICES
Gemstone Identification:
Identification and valuation of gemstones.
Purchase Guidance:
Advice on the quality and value of gemstones for buyers.
Diamond Grading:
Evaluation of diamonds based on colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
Treatment Disclosure:
Identification of any treatments applied to gemstones.
Advanced Testing:
This includes our Raman, UV-VIS-NIR and FTIR spectroscopy. Used for identifying gemstones and lab-grown diamonds, diamond and gemstone treatments, gemstone varieties and key trace elements.

Diamonds may need to be recut for a variety of reasons. The primary reasons may include a
diamond being damaged or poorly cut.

BENEFITS OF RECUTTING
Restoring your diamond value:
If a diamond is damaged it has little to no resale value. Recutting a damaged diamond can enhance its brilliance and overall value, potentially increasing its resale value.
Certification Enhancements:
Recutting to GIA triple EX or VDJ cutting parameters improves a diamond’s brilliance, fire, and overall appearance, adding value. Cutting a diamond to a VDJ Excellent or Superior can significantly increase the marketability of your diamond, as only a small portion of all round brilliant diamonds will adhere to our strict in-house cut parameters.

See our Consider The Cut or VDJ Quick Guide for more information on the cutting parameters.

Official Certification:
Diamonds are certified by the GIA, providing a unique certificate number that can be engraved on the girdle. Certification from a leading gemmological authority ensures compliance with world-class grading standards, greatly enhancing the value of your diamond.

COLOURED STONE CERTIFICATION

Most of our larger coloured stones are certified by renowned laboratories, ensuring accurate identification and disclosure of any treatments. We can send coloured stones to the EGL South Africa laboratory for certification or confirmation upon request.