Reports & certifications, decoded
GIA, IGI, SSEF, Gübelin — what each is worth.
The labs that matter
GIA (Gemological Institute of America): the global benchmark for diamond grading. Standard for diamonds. Issues coloured-stone identification reports but does not grade coloured-stone quality beyond identification and treatment disclosure.
SSEF (Schweizerische Stiftung für Edelstein-Forschung) and Gübelin Gem Lab: the two Swiss authorities for high-end coloured stones. Their origin determinations and treatment reports carry weight at auction. Reports cost meaningfully more.
AGL (American Gemological Laboratories): respected for coloured-stone grading, particularly in the US market.
IGI (International Gemological Institute): widely used in India for diamond grading. Reliable, slightly more lenient than GIA on the borderline grades.
GJEPC: India's industry body — issues identification reports widely accepted within India.
What to look for on the report
Stone identification (e.g. "natural sapphire"), measurements, weight, colour, clarity, cut, fluorescence, treatment disclosure, and (for select labs) origin determination. The certificate number should be cross-checkable on the issuing lab's website — we encourage every customer to verify.
If the report says "treated" without specifying the treatment, ask. If origin is not on the report but the seller claims a particular origin, the price premium for that origin is not defensible.
Reports we provide by default
Every stone we sell ships with a current report from one of the labs above. For stones above ₹5L, we typically pair an Indian-issued certificate with a Swiss origin and treatment report on request. For bespoke commissions, the certificate accompanies the design approval document.
House rule: if there is no certificate, the price should reflect the uncertainty. Always.