Bangkok gem buyers is GFCO an ok lab for certification?

[jadeitecat]

Hi im new here
Bought a fanta garnet and getting it certified, seller gave me the option of $10 GFCO cert, or a Bellerophon cert at $45.
Has anyone used GFCO lab and are they generally ok?

 

[chrono]

I have not used either lab and only recently became aware of Bellerophon. No idea whether any are reputable.

 

[john smith]

I noticed a blue spinel for sale online it is certified by the Thailand branch of GFCO but I can not find a recent comment about this company. The seller is in Thailand so I am a little wary. The certificate lists the methods of testing used. They seem somewhat basic. Any comment on this company? It is listed as a Cobalt spinel weight over 3ct price $1800. It looks to be somewhat dark. Origin Srilanka.

 

[demantoidz]

I noticed a blue spinel for sale online it is certified by the Thailand branch of GFCO but I can not find a recent comment about this company. The seller is in Thailand so I am a little wary. The certificate lists the methods of testing used. They seem somewhat basic. Any comment on this company? It is listed as a Cobalt spinel weight over 3ct price $1800. It looks to be somewhat dark. Origin Srilanka.

I am not sure what equipment the lab has, and detecting some treatments needs sophisticated and expensive equipment.
Blue spinel can be diffused. Not sure about dark blues though. Oiling is another potential treatment.
If they are in Thailand, AIGS is the go-to lab. I would ask for an AIGS report.

 

[T L]

If it was inexpensive, I wouldn't bother getting a lab report for a spessartite garnet. They're not treated to my knowledge. The worst thing about getting a spessartite garnet, especially one denoted as "Fanta" or "mandarin" is that they're often more brown and dark than depicted in photos. Those terms are loosely used to describe spessartite.

 

[demantoidz]

I mentioned AIGS but forgot to mention GIT which is another trustworthy lab in Thailand/Bangkok

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

I have a GFCO Gem Lab Swiss report for a sapphire we call, "Kenny the Bad Sapphire." The report is detailed and even has a photo, and I see nothing that attempts to disguise the lack of quality. It's a beautiful report with a hologram and lamination.
And Kenny is inexplicably pleasing.