Summary

Gemological Laboratories and similar institutions provide valuable services to the precious and semi-precious stone industry. They also assist collectors and investors to ensure the genuineness and security of their investments. Insurance companies take full advantage of their professional expertise to get comprehensive appraisal of the gems and ornaments they insure. One of the premier institutions in this field (which include GTL, AGS, IGI, HRD, EGL, etc.) is the International Gemological Laboratory, commonly referred to as IGL. Based in Alberta, Canada, they can offer assistance through trade associates (such as Gemological Institute of America and European Gemological Laboratory) in different parts of the world. From 1981 their experienced staff has been providing specialized services catering to all aspects of the gem industry. Their track record has earned them the esteem of all sections of the trade.

Objectives

IGL is headed by a pair of seasoned and dedicated gemologists – Jack and Ron Hanania. They have graduated in gemology from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and have fully incorporated traditional and updated theoretical knowledge into practical application. With over 30 years of experience, the two owners of IGL offer their clients committed professionalism combined with the highest principles. Their greatest asset is the application of ethics to the valuable knowledge they have accumulated in gemology and the appraisal of gems and jewellery The large number of clients who have availed of their services will certify to the integrity and expertise with which they conduct their business. Their personalized attention and valuable advice encourages regular patrons to approach them repeatedly for additional services. The respect they have earned draws more and more customers to their doors. And you can be sure of a warm and sincere welcome along with the best of services.

The primary objective of IGL is to utilize the vast experience and advanced technological expertise at their disposal to serve their clients in the gem industry in the best possible manner. Buyers, sellers and insurers of gems and jewellery utilize the facilities of IGL to secure pertinent and specific information. The competent staff and the comprehensive array of modern specialized equipment of their gemological laboratory are skillfully integrated to give an accurate assessment of any kind of gem. They are proficient in identifying precious stones like diamonds, colored stones, pearls, jewellery, etc. They can also evaluate gems and ornaments for buyers and sellers alike, and appraise them for the purpose of insurance.

Services

Appraisal of gems and ornaments for purchasers and sellers is an important activity. Even collectors and investors like to have their gems and other valuables appraised by experts periodically. IGL has special facilities for testing and determining the value of heirlooms and antique jewellery, loose and mounted gemstones, ornaments of precious metals (like gold, platinum, silver, etc.), ornate wrist and pocket watches, natural and artificial pearls, etc. International travelers may be required by customs officials of some countries to produce certificates of value and identification for certain gems and jewellery, and IGL is competent for this work. IGL also appraises and evaluates gems, jewellery and certain other valuables for the purpose of determining the value of estates for probate purposes. They issue diamond quality certificates, diamond quality cards and diamond plots (with inclusions and blemishes). IGL has technical facilities to provide top quality professional photographs of gems according to the specific standards required for various official purposes. Cleaning (generally free of cost) and repairs (charges depending on the nature of repair work required) are a regular part of their services. They even conduct educational and other programs and seminars on subjects that cover the whole trade, including insurance.

Appraisal of gems and jewellery for various kinds of insurance is another major activity of IGL, and they will guide and advise you as to what exactly you require on your appraisal certificates. They can advise you on how to make a claim for insurance if the eventuality arises. Their identification and valuation certificates are accepted for insurance against theft, loss or damage. If you are a collector or investor in gems, IGL can reappraise your gems at regular intervals – necessary to maintain your insurance cover at current values.

Equipment

IGL is fully equipped with all the instruments that their well trained, professionally competent gemologists require to identify, grade and evaluate gems in a scientific manner. They are well informed on latest technological developments in the field of gemology, and their sophisticated laboratory is fitted with binocular microscope, Refractometer, polariscope, spectroscope, dichroscope, 10x corrected loop, highly sensitive carat and gram weight scales, diamond tweezers, specific gravity heavy liquids, immersion cells, master diamond colors, diamond-lite, millimeter gauge, table gauge, screw micrometer, diamond colorimeter, acid test kit, thermal tester, etc. They have a Chelsea color filter, ultraviolet light, and fiber optic, daylight fluorescent and incandescent light sources.

Gemology and Gemologists

The science of gemology involves a delicate blend of theory and practice – a systematic analysis of every aspect of a gem by persons who have undergone exhaustive training through written and practical examinations conducted by reputed gemological institutes. Each gem will have its own intrinsic characteristics. And an appraisal is a certified report by a gemologist with access to a good gemological laboratory, indicating these characteristics for the purpose of evaluating the gem. Though gemologists and master gemologists may have graduated from the same gemological institute, they may come up with slightly different evaluations after appraising the same precious stone using the same type of equipment and methodology! It is not that one of them is wrong, but simply that they have come up with two genuine but different opinions. If the appraisers are qualified, it is most unlikely that there will be any significant difference between their appraisals.

One significant advantage of having a gem appraised by IGL is that they do not trade in gems. Hence their evaluation would be clinically professional and detached from other considerations. In the final analysis, it is facilities available in the laboratory and the experience gained through years of systematically scrutinizing gem after gem after gem

that qualifies an appraiser. The International Gemological Laboratory with Jack and Ron Hanania at the helm will qualify at the highest levels.

Mark Steve is the owner of,

Jewel Info 4u: For more information about any jewellery and gemstones.