GIA for sapphire?

[Pinkmartini87]

Dear all,

I'm thinking of a local trip to the GIA in Carlsbad for them to look at a mounted sapphire for any indications of treatment. I know AGL is perhaps superior in terms of colored stones but I'm nervous sending my jewelry through the mail.

Any opinions out there re GIA and their ability to detect most/all treatment on sapphires?
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Also, I've been eyeing an emerald that has a report from "Gem and Pearl Lab" in the UK. Anyone heard of them? Reliable?

Thanks!

 

[Pinkmartini87]

Bump. (Happy Friday!)

 

[FinewaterGems]

Go for it! While some people here seem to have an issue with GIA, I've used both GIA and AGL for colored stone reports and found both labs to be equally skilled. You will need to leave your mounted sapphire for several weeks (they won't do an "on-the-spot" analysis), and you may need to pay extra since it's mounted. In any case it's a worthy visit (a beautiful campus overlooking the Pacific and you may be able to visit the gem and jewelry display in the lobby area). Call ahead to find out the proper procedures. You can find all necessary information at www.gia.edu. Good luck!

 

[Pinkmartini87]

@FinewaterGems thank you for your advice, really helpful to hear from someone who has had stones evaluated by both.

Yes, Carlsbad looks beautiful. Worth a little road trip I think!