Best Sapphire Certification

[sapphirekitty]

Hi Everyone,

What is the best sapphire certification service? I've heard of GIA, AGL, GAL, etc. but I don't know which one is the most trustworthy for sapphires. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[qubitasaurus]

AGL. If you cant get AGL then GIA.

 

[voce]

I would say Lotus Gemology has the best reports (better than AGL because they will describe the color in more detail), but they're based in Thailand. Imho Lotus>AGL>GIA

 

[Arcadian]

I'm going to split the difference and say it depends on where you are. There are some good labs all over.

AGL
AIGS
GIA
GRS
GIT
Lotus

Basically for expensive sapphires I'd want a LIBS or LA-ICP-MS test Any lab that has this machine can do the test. Some won't do it unless you request it.

 

[qubitasaurus]

I'm going to split the difference and say it depends on where you are. There are some good labs all over.

AGL
AIGS
GIA
GRS
GIT
Lotus

Basically for expensive sapphires I'd want a LIBS or LA-ICP-MS test Any lab that has this machine can do the test. Some won't do it unless you request it.

This is definitely spot on. I am actually curious if all of these have the equipment to do LIBS testing?

I keep seeing AGIS reports that don't have the LIBS box ticked, and every time I wonder if the report was issued by one of their labs in a location that doesn't have access to LIBS. Or if it was simply issued before they had LIBS (but if it was redone today then the LIBS box would be automatically ticked?), or if they just decided not to bother and what informed that choice (supposing the report was for a heated ruby or sapphire). I also wouldn't have a clue if GIT has LIBS (or to be honest I don't know about Lotus either, I just assume they must have it)?

I normally just addopt the working hypothesis that most labs don't have it unless told otherwise. I would feel more confidence if I knew exactly which labs had this capacity, instead of just assuming the worst and hoping for the best all the time.

Edit -- I guess this prays on my mind because I suspect my local lab doesn't have LIBS, and thus often feel uneasy about buying heat treated sapphires/rubies here in Singapore. I see so many lovely stones, and feel a bit of a pang over passing over all of them. I wish I knew otherwise.

 

[arkieb1]

AGL and Lotus would be my top picks followed by those listed by Arcadian. If you are in Europe there are some decent European ones as well.

 

[Arcadian]

This is definitely spot on. I am actually curious if all of these have the equipment to do LIBS testing?

I keep seeing AGIS reports that don't have the LIBS box ticked, and every time I wonder if the report was issued by one of their labs in a location that doesn't have access to LIBS. Or if it was simply issued before they had LIBS (but if it was redone today then the LIBS box would be automatically ticked?), or if they just decided not to bother and what informed that choice (supposing the report was for a heated ruby or sapphire). I also wouldn't have a clue if GIT has LIBS (or to be honest I don't know about Lotus either, I just assume they must have it)?

I normally just addopt the working hypothesis that most labs don't have it unless told otherwise. I would feel more confidence if I knew exactly which labs had this capacity, instead of just assuming the worst and hoping for the best all the time.

Edit -- I guess this prays on my mind because I suspect my local lab doesn't have LIBS, and thus often feel uneasy about buying heat treated sapphires/rubies here in Singapore. I see so many lovely stones, and feel a bit of a pang over passing over all of them. I wish I knew otherwise.

I don't recall when AIGS got their LIBS just that now you have to actually request it. It wasn't always the case.

And I belive that with any lab you go to, you should ask for the service because it can be invasive. It may also be an extra charge. If the stone is expensive whats one more charge if it means peace of mind...

Lotus you could probably ask about on their facebook. They tend to be very responsive to questions there.

GRS might be automatic. They will have on their reports if they used a LIBS Test for BE treated stones.

AIGS is tricky in that I don't know if all their labs will have the machine. They might be able to tell you which ones do.

No matter who you go to, always ask if they offer it as a service.

 

[Shijitake]

Good question! I'm a newb and this is good info. I can only say I won't buy a padparadscha sapphire unless GIA says it is one. They're picky and I'm picky, so it's perfect. I want everyone from purists, GIA, gemstone freaks and the layman alike to look at it and say "it's a padparadscha". Other than than I'm ok with any certificate as long as I can trust it really is a sapphire and the cost matches its treatments or lack thereof.

 

[qubitasaurus]

I don't recall when AIGS got their LIBS just that now you have to actually request it. It wasn't always the case.

And I belive that with any lab you go to, you should ask for the service because it can be invasive. It may also be an extra charge. If the stone is expensive whats one more charge if it means peace of mind...

Lotus you could probably ask about on their facebook. They tend to be very responsive to questions there.

GRS might be automatic. They will have on their reports if they used a LIBS Test for BE treated stones.

AIGS is tricky in that I don't know if all their labs will have the machine. They might be able to tell you which ones do.

No matter who you go to, always ask if they offer it as a service.

Yes you are right, when in doubt ask plenty of questions. I should make the time to ask my local lab, it is way better and much fairer than making (potentially false) assumptions. If I ever have a chance to send a stone to one of the fancy labs, like Lotus, then I will be sure to heckle them for information too . Meanwhile I would love to hear others experiances.

 

[Shijitake]

Can everyone elaborate on why you like one lab more than another? I only see that it's because they may be more descriptive in color. Just curious. I only check if the gem if untreated/unheated and the variety.

 

[eesmom]

has anyone ever bought a stone with an AGTL certificate?

 

[chrono]

I don't see SSEF mentioned often but they are also a highly reputable lab.

I try to go for AGL brief where possible because it's USA based, highly reputable and the brief cards are inexpensive. @Shijitake

@eesmom This place? No, I have no experience with this lab.

AGTL || ADVANCED GEM TESTING LAB

agtl.lk

 

[demantoidz]

I believe Gubelin is another good lab.

 

[eesmom]

I don't see SSEF mentioned often but they are also a highly reputable lab.

I try to go for AGL brief where possible because it's USA based, highly reputable and the brief cards are inexpensive. @Shijitake

@eesmom This place? No, I have no experience with this lab.

AGTL || ADVANCED GEM TESTING LAB

agtl.lk

Yes, @chrono, I was looking at an IG store Srilankansapphires and they had some sapphires that were AGTL certifies.

 

[Lilith112]

There are reputable labs all over the world, but I usually trust Lotus the most for sapphires/rubies. Yes, they use some flowery trade terms, but I find their color descriptions useful. Also, my understanding is that they're quite strict about which terms they'll use which is another plus for me.

Other than Lotus, GRS is a very popular lab in Asia. While I oftentimes don't agree with their color grading, I think they're fine for a basic info rundown. You do have to specifically request for color stability testing which is kind of annoying.

I know that Singapore usually relies on Nanyang Lab, which I've heard is also quite strict. Haven't done a ton of research on them though.

 

[Adam95]

I would say Lotus Gemology has the best reports (better than AGL because they will describe the color in more detail), but they're based in Thailand. Imho Lotus>AGL>GIA

True, Lotus has a ton of different colour classifications, which can help in assessing the value of the Sapphire. For example, a Lotus royal blue would obviously be worth more than an indigo blue sapphire. However, AGL's Prestige Grading Report will detail the specific quality grades of the cut, colour, and clarity, which is as detailed and informative as a lab report can get.

 

[voce]

True, Lotus has a ton of different colour classifications, which can help in assessing the value of the Sapphire. For example, a Lotus royal blue would obviously be worth more than an indigo blue sapphire. However, AGL's Prestige Grading Report will detail the specific quality grades of the cut, colour, and clarity, which is as detailed and informative as a lab report can get.

The quality grades are subjective. AGL doesn't do color scan anymore, and it's not clear if their new color system will be included in grading reports. For example, size affects the grade, and I've read somewhere on these forums that Christopher Smith only ever gave a 1 ONCE in a lifetime or something like that. Therefore, the bridge between 1 and 2 is way more than between 2 and 3, and the scale isn't linear, which I find off-putting. Lotus reports are easier to understand and also more aesthetically pleasing to me.