Editor’s Note
This article clarifies the role of the Spanish Gemological Institute, a non-profit founded in 1967. Its core functions are to promote gemology through study and research, and to provide independent quality guarantees for gems and jewelry via its laboratory services, certifications, and appraisals.
The Spanish Gemological Institute is a non-profit association founded in 1967 with the aim of promoting Gemology, encouraging its study and research, as well as independently guaranteeing the quality of gems and jewelry through the Analysis and Certification Laboratory, and the appraisal of jewelry and diamonds.
Certificates are documents that act as a guarantee of the piece’s quality and assure the jeweler of an objective grading. And, of course, knowledge in the subject is key, as precious stones are one of the most used and valued materials in the jewelry field.
The IGE’s Analysis and Certification Laboratory has extensive equipment in advanced technology for gemological analysis, such as spectroscopy devices. These devices, which observe or measure phenomena related to the electromagnetic spectrum, allow us to identify all types of gems, differentiate them from their imitations, and detect possible treatments, which can cause the value of the gem in the market to vary drastically. In addition to spectroscopy devices, we also have specialized devices for diamond analysis, such as the Diamond View. This instrument allows us to differentiate whether a diamond is natural or synthetic, as well as determine the origin of color in Fancy diamonds: if the color is caused by treatment, the market price will be much lower than that of an untreated natural color diamond.
The IGE Laboratory has been in existence for over 50 years. Since its creation, and by internal policy, it has always operated independently from the buying and selling of jewelry and precious stones, in order to guarantee absolute independence and objectivity. Throughout its existence, the knowledge and experience of the personnel working in this Laboratory has been expanding more and more, thanks to the enormous variety of gems we receive, both from private clients and professionals, as well as important jewelry brands or national and international auction houses. There has also been a huge investment in the training of its employees, as well as in the expansion of its advanced technological means, as mentioned earlier.
When a customer purchases a piece of jewelry with gems or a precious stone that is properly certified, they have the peace of mind of buying a piece with a quality guarantee. The certificates detail information regarding the parameters that determine the quality of a stone, which are color, clarity, cut, and weight, as well as information regarding treatments, if any. We grade these parameters in the laboratory in a completely objective manner and through various advanced techniques.
The certificate is also useful when appraising a piece of jewelry, or when one wishes to insure it. In case of theft, it will facilitate the identification of the stone, as each gem is unique and the certificates act as an ID card describing all its characteristics.
It is important to note that not just any laboratory is suitable for gem certification: one must certify in recognized laboratories that have prestige so that the issued document has value and credibility in the market.
By acquiring gems certified by recognized laboratories, the jeweler protects themselves, as they have absolute knowledge of the product they are buying. This will prevent paying the price of natural materials for synthetic and/or treated ones, or even imitations.
For the customer, accompanying the jewelry and gems with a certificate from a reputable laboratory adds value to the product and generates greater trust. It is important to highlight that, in this way, unintentionally fraudulent sales are also avoided, which can be fatal for a business to enjoy the impeccable credibility needed in the jewelry and luxury sector.