Why Gem Identification Reports Matter

Why Gem Identification Reports Matter

Buying or selling gemstones is exciting—but it can also be risky. That’s why a Gem Identification Report (GIR) is essential for anyone in the gems and jewelry world.

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What Is a Gem Identification Report?

A GIR is a professional document from a gem testing laboratory. It tells you exactly what your gemstone is, including:

Type of gemstone (sapphire, ruby, tanzanite, etc.)

Natural or synthetic origin

Treatments or enhancements (heat, fracture filling, irradiation)

Weight, size, and sometimes color grading

Think of it as a “passport” for your gemstone—showing its true identity.

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Why It Matters for Buyers

Confidence: Know you’re buying what you think you’re buying.

Transparency: See any treatments that affect value.

Insurance-friendly: Needed for coverage and claims.

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Why It Matters for Sellers

Credibility: Show clients your gemstones are genuine.

Fair pricing: Price stones based on verified details.

Reduced disputes: Avoid misunderstandings and returns.

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Prevent Fraud and Misrepresentation

Gemstones are valuable and sometimes misrepresented. A GIR helps:

Detect synthetic or imitation stones

Reveal undisclosed treatments

Match international standards for authenticity

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Bottom Line

Whether you’re buying, selling, or collecting, a Gem Identification Report is your best protection. It ensures trust, prevents fraud, and gives everyone confidence in their gemstone transactions.

💡 Tip: Always request a GIR before making any significant gemstone purchase—it could save you a lot of trouble and money!

© 2025 John Ng, G.G.

 John Ng can be contacted by email : hundredfold@gmail.com

How to Read a Gem Identification Report Like a Pro

How to Read a Gem Identification Report Like a Pro 

 Buying a gemstone is an exciting moment — whether it’s for an engagement ring, a gift, or to add to your collection. 

Along with the sparkle often comes a sheet of paper: the gem identification report. 

 For many buyers, this document looks like a wall of technical jargon.

 In reality, it’s your gemstone’s passport — proof of its identity, authenticity, and any treatments it has undergone.

 Understanding how to read a gem identification report will help you make informed, confident decisions. 

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 1. Gem Type & Variety 

 At the top of most gemstone testing reports, you’ll see the gemstone type — for example, Corundum — followed by its variety, such as Sapphire or Ruby. 

 Gem Type: The mineral species (e.g., Corundum, Beryl, Quartz). 

 Variety: The specific gemstone name within that species. 

 Why it matters: This tells you exactly what you’re buying, backed by laboratory analysis from a professional gem testing laboratory. 

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 2. Weight & Measurements 

 The carat weight and millimeter dimensions are listed to define the gemstone’s size. 

 Carat (ct): Measures weight, not size.

 Dimensions: Length × Width × Depth in millimeters. 

 Tip: Two gemstones of the same carat can look different in size depending on how they’re cut. 

A professional gem lab report will always include these details.

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 3. Cut & Shape 

 The cut is both the shape (round, oval, pear, etc.) and the style (brilliant, step, mixed).

 Why it matters: The cut affects brilliance, light return, and overall beauty — all of which influence value. 

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 4. Colour Description

 Colour is often described by hue, tone, and saturation — e.g., Medium Greenish-Blue or Vivid Green. 

 Why it matters: Even small variations in tone and saturation can significantly impact the gemstone’s value. 

A gem identification report ensures these characteristics are recorded accurately.

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 5. Optical & Physical Properties 

 You may see terms like RI (Refractive Index) and SG (Specific Gravity). 

 RI: Measures how light bends in the gem — unique to each gemstone species. 

 SG: Compares the gem’s density to water. 

 Tip: These optical and physical properties tests are vital for confirming authenticity and preventing the purchase of imitations. 

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 6. Treatment Disclosure

 Common gemstone treatments include heat, oil, or irradiation. 

 Why it matters: Untreated gemstones are rarer and often more valuable. 

However, some treatments are widely accepted in the trade if disclosed. 

A reliable gemstone authenticity report will always mention these.

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 7. Comments & Additional Notes 

 This section may describe inclusions, fluorescence, or special optical features. 

 Why it matters: 

These details provide further proof of the gem’s authenticity and uniqueness — often helping distinguish natural gems from synthetics.

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 Final Thoughts 

 A gem identification report is your assurance of what you own. 

It’s not just paperwork — it’s part of your gemstone’s identity and proof of its authenticity.

 Learning how to interpret it means you can purchase with confidence, whether you’re buying fine jewellery or loose gemstones. 

 If you need help reading a gemstone verification report, our gem testing laboratory can guide you through every section and explain what it means for your gem’s value and care. 

Because when it comes to precious stones, knowledge is the real sparkle. 

 © 2025 John Ng, G.G.

 John Ng can be contacted by email : hundredfold@gmail.com

How to Care For Your Gems & Jewelry

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GEMS & JEWELRY

Gemstone Jewelry – How To Care For Them

by John Ng, G.G. 

 Most gemstones are reasonably durable while some are not so durable. 

 While the not so durable need special care, the ones that are reasonably durable still do need some form of care and attention. 

 Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last more than a lifetime. 

 Just follow a few general rules and they'll last for generations, still looking brand new, or at least almost so. 

 How To Keep Your Jewelry Clean, Bright & Sparkling 

 1. Jewelry especially rings tend to accumulate dirt, grime and grease behind the stone, if worn regularly over an extended period. 

Clean transparent gemstones by simply soaking them in water with a touch of detergent. 

The ones used for dish-washing should be good enough. 

 2. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the stone. 

 3. Take care not to use excessive force as even the toughest gemstone can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions or other structural weakness.

 Structural weaknesses may not be visible to the eye. (Even the hardest gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires may shatter with a single well-placed blow especially if they possess structural weaknesses) 

 4. A word of caution - think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner.

 Diamonds, rubies and sapphires may, for most cases, be tough enough to withstand the force created by ultrasonic cleaners, but remember that even these may shatter if they have any structural weakness (these weaknesses may not be visibly evident).

When in doubt, leave the ultrasonic cleaner out. 

 5. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and most other gemstones can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films, oil, grease and dirt. 

 6. Caution : Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia for cleaning such opaque gemstones like lapis-lazuli , turquoise, malachite or onyx. 

They should be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. 

Alternatively, you may rinse them with running water and then wiped off with a clean, soft tissue or cloth. 

These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, which may build up inside the stone and discolor them (especially if they are dyed). 

 7. Opals require special care. 

Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia.

 Keep opals away from heat and strong light because these may dry out the water content in opals. 

 8. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber, which are soft and porous, should be wiped clean with a moist cloth.

 Alternatively, you can rinse them quickly with water and then wipe them with a clean dry cloth. 

Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. 

Therefore apply hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume before wearing these organic gems.

 After taking off your organic gemstone jewelry, it is a good idea to rinse them briskly in running water and then quickly wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth or tissue as perspiration may damage these gems over an extended period.

 Alternatively, you can use a soft moist cloth to wipe the organic gems.

 9. Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. 

Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. 

Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box. 

So, do NOT jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case.

 10. If you wear your jewelry regularly, visit your jeweller once in 6 months to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear. 

However, if you do not wear them regularly, once a year would be fine. 

 While at the jewellers, you might as well have your jewelry professionally cleaned.

 Caution : If you suspect that you have accidentally dropped your gemstone jewelry or if the jewelry have suffered a hard knock or blow, do not wait for 6 months – see your jeweller immediately and have the jewelry thoroughly checked. 

 © 2008 John Ng, G.G.

 John Ng can be contacted by email : hundredfold@gmail.com

Fracture-Filled Diamond Last week a gem dealer brought in a 2.46 carats diamond for grading. Before we proceeded with the grading(quality analysis) of the stone, we conducted a few gemological tests to determine if the stone was diamond. Sure enough the stone was diagnosed as diamond. However, upon examination of the inclusions in the stone through the the microscope under dark-field illumination, the color flashes in at least two of the 'feathers' (orangy-brown in one and purplish-red in the other) revealed that the diamond was a fracture-filled diamond. We had to inform our client that we could not grade the said diamond as it was fracture-filled. Instead we issued a gem-identification(gem-testing) report stating that the stone is a diamond with a comment that it was fracture-filled. In view of the fact that many diamonds out in the market may be fracture-filled(and unfortunately not being disclosed as such by the supplier), gem dealers, jewelers as well as consumers are advised to have their diamonds checked by a gemologist before doing a purchase. For more info on fracture-filled diamonds go to : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_enhancement

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR GEMS & JEWELRY

Gemstone Jewelry – How To Care For Them by John Ng, G.G. Most gemstones are reasonably durable while some are not so durable. While the not so durable need special care, the ones that are reasonably durable still do need some form of care and attention. Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last more than a lifetime. Just follow a few general rules and they'll last for generations, still looking brand new, or at least almost so. How To Keep Your Jewelry Clean, Bright & Sparkling 1. Jewelry especially rings tend to accumulate dirt, grime and grease behind the stone, if worn regularly over an extended period. Clean transparent gemstones by simply soaking them in water with a touch of detergent. The ones used for dish-washing should be good enough. 2. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the stone. 3. Take care not to use excessive force as even the toughest gemstone can be vulnerable to breakage if it has inclusions or other structural weakness. Structural weaknesses may not be visible to the eye. (Even the hardest gemstones like diamonds, rubies and sapphires may shatter with a single well-placed blow especially if they possess structural weaknesses) 4. A word of caution - think twice before putting gems in an ultrasonic cleaner. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires may, for most cases, be tough enough to withstand the force created by ultrasonic cleaners, but remember that even these may shatter if they have any structural weakness(these weaknesses may not be visibly evident).When in doubt, leave the ultrasonic cleaner out. 5. Diamonds, rubies and sapphires, and most other gemstones can be cleaned with a touch of ammonia in water to remove all films, oil, grease and dirt. 6. Caution : Never use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia for cleaning such opaque gemstones like lapis-lazuli , turquoise, malachite or onyx. They should be wiped clean gently with a moist cloth. Alternatively, you may rinse them with running water and then wiped off with a clean, soft tissue or cloth. These gemstones can be porous and may absorb chemicals, even soap, which may build up inside the stone and discolor them (especially if they are dyed). 7. Opals require special care. Do not use an ultrasonic cleaner or ammonia. Keep opals away from heat and strong light because these may dry out the water content in opals. 8. Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber, which are soft and porous, should be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Alternatively, you can rinse them quickly with water and then wipe them with a clean dry cloth. Be careful about chemicals in hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume: they can, over time, damage pearls in particular. Therefore apply hairspray, cosmetics, or perfume before wearing these organic gems. After taking off your organic gemstone jewelry, it is a good idea to rinse them briskly in running water and then quickly wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth or tissue as perspiration may damage these gems over an extended period. Alternatively, you can use a soft moist cloth to wipe the organic gems. 9. Store each piece of gemstone jewelry separately so that harder stones don't scratch softer ones. Almost every gemstone is much harder than the metal it is set in. Gems can scratch the finish on your gold, silver or platinum if you throw your jewelry in a heap in a drawer or jewelry box. So, Do NOT jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. 10. If you wear your jewelry regularly, visit your jeweller once in 6 months to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear. However, if you do not wear them regularly, once a year would be fine. While at the jewellers, you might as well have your jewelry professionally cleaned. Caution : If you suspect that you have accidentally dropped your gemstone jewelry or if the jewelry have suffered a hard knock or blow, do not wait for 6 months – see your jeweller immediately and have the jewelry thoroughly checked. © 2008 John Ng, G.G.         John Ng can be contacted by email : hundredfold@gmail.com