Gemstone Certifications: The Ultimate Guide

Gemstone Certifications: The Ultimate Guide
Posted on April 21st, 2023 06:50 PM

The history of Finest gemstones is nearly as old as the emergence of human beings on this planet. The documented history may be short but the usage, significance, impact, and value of gemstones are mentioned in numerous ancient scriptures prevailing around the world. 

When it comes to buying or selling gemstones, the numerous Uno question that pops up in mind is how to check the authenticity of a gemstone? Though there are umpteen methods stated on various sources on the web to test the credibility of a gemstone, one of the hassle-free ways is gemstone certifications or gem lab certifications. A gemstone certification is an official document issued by a gemological lab licensed by the respective government of a country.

When you plan to rope in an expensive piece of gemstone, it’s exemplary as well as wise to spend a few more bucks and incur a gem certificate to ensure what you are buying is not some cheap replica. To make our readers more aware of gemstones and their certifications, we have jotted down all the prominent types of gemstone certifications that will help gemstone collectors as well as those who seek to embrace gemstones greatly when buying an expensive gem.

List of Important Gemstone Certifications

GIA Certification


The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most prestigious and revered gemstone certification organizations in the world as well as the most sought-after one. The GIA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1931 and is based in Carlsbad, California. The GIA offers a vast array of services, including gemstone grading, identification, research as well as the latest news in the domain of gemstones.

GIA certification is highly respected in the industry because it is known for its rigorous and par-excellent standards and impartial evaluations. The GIA uses a standardized grading system that evaluates a gemstone based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight also known as the popular 4C’s. The GIA also provides a detailed report that includes information about the gemstone's origin, treatments, and any other relevant information that an individual or an organization must know.

AGS Certification

The American Gem Society (AGS) is another prolific and eminent gemstone certification organization known for its unmatched and time-tested standards. Not many individuals know that AGS is the first institute for diamond grading ever established. The AGS was founded in 1934 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The AGS offers a multitude of services, including gemstone grading, identification, and education. Moreover, AGS also states information on what’s trending in the jewelry industry and helps to find the right jeweler for the job.

Like GIA, AGS certification is known for its unrivaled standards and scientific approach to gemstone grading. The AGS uses a standardized grading system that evaluates a gemstone based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The AGS also provides a detailed report that includes information about the gemstone's origin, treatments, color and clarity grades, type of cut, and other significant information.

GRS Certification


GRS, an acronym for GemResearch SwissLab, is one of the m most distinguished and independent gemological laboratories in the world based in Switzerland that provides gemstone certification services. GRS is globally recognized as a leading gemstone laboratory and is known for its expertise in colored gemstones, particularly rubies, and sapphires.

GRS offers a range of gemstone certification services, including gemstone identification, grading, and origin reports. The laboratory uses advanced testing techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis, to identify and grade gemstones. GRS also has a massive reputation for its expertise in detecting even minuscle treatments and enhancements in colored gemstones, including heat treatment, diffusion treatment, and fracture filling.

GRS is particularly known for its expertise in the identification and grading of rubies and sapphires. The laboratory has developed its own color grading system, known as the GRS Color Code, which is based on the hue, saturation, and tone of the gemstone's color. GRS also provides origin reports for rubies and sapphires, which can provide information about the geographic origin of the gemstones.

IGI Certification

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a global and fabled gemstone certification organization that was founded in the year 1975. The IGI has offices in over a dozen countries and offers a range of services, including gemstone grading, identification, screening services, sorting services, security seals, and education on noteworthy gemstones.

Primarily, IGI certification is known for its expertise in diamond grading and identification. The IGI uses a standardized grading system that evaluates a diamond based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The IGI also provides a detailed report that includes information about the diamond's origin, treatments, quality, and any other relevant information that a gemstone buyer or seller must know.

EGL Certification

Like IGI, EGL is also highly sought-after when it comes to diamond grading and providing comprehensive reports on Diamond quality. The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) is one of the most prominent  gemstone certification organizations that was founded in 1974. The EGL has offices in several countries and offers a range of services, including gemstone grading, identification, lab-grown diamond, laser inscriptions, light performance report, and consultation of diamonds.

EGL certification is known for its relaxed standards and lenient grading practices. As a result, EGL-certified gemstones are often considered to be over-graded and overvalued in the industry. However, EGL certification can still be useful in some cases, such as when buying a gemstone for its beauty rather than its investment potential.

AGL Certification

The American Gemological Laboratories also known as (AGL) is a gemstone certification organization that was founded in 1977 and is renowned for providing one of the most comprehensive grading reports on gemstone quality. The AGL is based in New York City and offers umpteen services including gemstone grading, identification, jewel report with grading, and research.

AGL certification is known for its brilliance in colored gemstone grading and identification. The AGL uses an intricate yet quality grading system that evaluates a colored gemstone in no time based on its color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The AGL also provides a detailed report that includes information about the gemstone's origin, treatments, and any other relevant information.

Gubelin Certification

Gübelin is undeniably the most trusted gemological laboratory across the globe that provides independent and reliable grading and identification reports for gemstones. Gübelin Gem Lab is based in Switzerland and has been providing gemstone expertise and a plethora of services for over 90 years.

Gübelin Certification offers different types of reports, including gemstone identification reports, origin reports, and grading reports, and also offers utterly luxurious watches and jewelry. These reports provide the most valid and detailed information about the gemstone's characteristics, such as its color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and origin, if possible. Gübelin's reports are known for their ultra-high quality, accuracy, and integrity, and they are widely recognized and respected in the gemstone industry.

Gemstones Certification in India

Gemological Institute of India (GII)

The Gemological Institute of India (GII) is a leading and prestigious gemological institute in India that provides gemstone identification, grading, and certification services. GII's reports are widely recognized and accepted by the gemstone industry, both in India and internationally. GII offers various types of reports, including gemstone identification reports, grading reports, and origin reports. The institute encloses state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained gemologists who use avant-garde techniques to assess the quality, authenticity, and origin of gemstones.

International Gemological Institute (IGI)


The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a global and widely hailed organization that provides to the T gemstones grading and certification services. IGI has a noteworthy presence in India and offers certification services for both diamonds and colored gemstones. IGI's reports are widely recognized and accepted by the gemstone industry, and the institute has a reputation for its accuracy, consistency, and reliability. IGI's grading system is based on the 4Cs of diamonds (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) and other quality factors for colored gemstones.

Gem Testing Laboratory (GTL)

The Gem Testing Laboratory (GTL) is a government-approved gemological laboratory in India that provides gemstone identification and certification services since 1972. GTL's reports are widely acknowledged by the gemstone industry and are recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards because of their utmost quality and transparency levels. The laboratory uses a range of techniques, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence, to identify and assess gemstones. GTL's reports include information about the gemstone's identification, origin, and quality, as well as any treatments or enhancements that may have been applied to the gemstone. They also publish lab information curriculars on a frequent basis to keep the readers updated about the latest enhancements in the respective field.

Indian Gemological Institute (IGI)

The Indian Gemological Institute (IGI) is a government-licensed and one of the most reliable gemological institutes in India that provides gemstone identification, and report verification. Lab services, grading, and certification services. IGI's reports are widely accepted in the Indian gemstone industry and are also acknowledged by the BIS. The institute has a team of highly trained and prudent gemologists who use world-class techniques, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis, to identify and grade gemstones.

Gemological Research Institute of India (GRI)

The Gemmological Research Institute of India (GRI) is a non-profit organization that provides diamond and other gemstone identification, grading, and certification services. GRI's reports are on par with some of the biggest gem labs in the world. GRI provides a wide array of services like onsite testing, certificate reading, lab-grown diamond testing, and geographical origin determination. GRI is also known to publish utterly informative and valuable research papers that elevate the standards of the gemstone industry.

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