Lab reports for colored gemstones

[thekid98]

Hi all,

From lots of research on this site and elsewhere, I've gotten the impression that AGL is the preferred lab for identification and treatment detection of colored gemstones these days. Is this a fair statement?

From their site, http://www.aglgemlab.com/services/Rates.aspx it looks like they offer 2 basic categories of report- FastTrack Gem Brief, and Prestige Gemstone Report. Within the Prestige reports, they seem to offer 3 versions: Standard ID and Enhancement Report, Origin Report Including: ID and Enhancement, and Grading Report Including: Origin, ID, and Enhancement. The last two seem pretty self-explanatory, but what's the difference between the Standard ID and Enhancement Prestige Report, and a FastTrack Gem Brief?

Does anyone know what turnaround times are like these days for the FastTrack report? I mean without requesting the rush service at twice the cost (which offers 48 hour turnaround)? In less than top level stones, is there any reason to get anything more than a FastTrack report?

Cheers!

 

[chrono]

AGL continues to be one of the leading labs in terms of reliability, knowledge, detecting new treatments in the market and more. Being in the US, AGL is my preferred lab.

The FT gives you the basics that is usually sufficient for most people's needs. It lists the measurement, ct weight, ID, shape, colour description and any treatment.
http://www.aglgemlab.com/services/FastTrack.aspx

The Full Prestige report gives a bit more details: it basically looks like the Origin report except without the Origin portion. More details on the stone's measurements and also more details on any treatment.
http://www.aglgemlab.com/images/Services/ShortSample1.jpg

I do not know their current turnaround but it used to take a week. For regular stones to check for the basic treatment and ID, the Fast Track makes the most sense. Certain stones that are more commonly more heavily treated and where the level of treatment matters such as emerald and ruby, I would opt for the full prestige report over the Fast Track because it provides this necessary level of detail which affects pricing.

 

[erlcb99]

This is good timing, I would like to know if there are any Australian labs that anyone can recommend? Or should I stick with AGL?

 

[cm366]

Hey eric,

I've been looking for an Australian lab for about 2 years and haven't found any worth the name. I've used AIGS in Thailand for inexpensive reports, but I'd use AGL for a truly premium stone. Good luck, and please post if you find an Aussie service!

Cheers!

 

[erlcb99]

Thanks cm366

I just found this old post (but was for diamonds)
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/australian-lab-report.43339/
and wondered if you had any feedback on Gem Studies Laboratory for coloured gem stone testing?

 

[cm366]

Hey eric,

I found the same post about two years ago and tried to get in touch with them

After a couple of attempts with no responses I ended up posting a similar request to yours on a more gemology oriented forum, and was told by two different people that gem studies had a) gone out of business and b) did not deal with private individuals, only trade members with credentials. I was frustrated enough by that point to accept it as a dry hole and move on, but maybe you'll have better luck!

Cheers!

 

[chrono]

I do not know of any good labs Down Under but I'd go with AIGS in Thailand for less expensive stones that are typically untreated, basically to confirm the stone is really what it is and not a synthetic, simulant, heat only, etc. For stones that are typically more heavily treated or more expensive, it is better to send it to AGL.

 

[TheElms]

I just had a fast track report done for a sapphire and the turn around was 3 weeks.

 

[sapphirering]

I just had a fast track report done for a sapphire and the turn around was 3 weeks.

I also just had a gem brief report done for a sapphire and got the stone back in around 3 weeks. AGL charged $20 for domestic registered mail shipping.

 

[thekid98]

I just got off the phone with AGL- 1 week to 10 days is a normal turnaround for a single stone getting a FastTrack gem brief (the $55 service), however in the weeks leading up to the holidays expect about 3 weeks. Also, the 48hr rush service (for twice the $$) is unavailable during the holiday season, due to the backlog of work. Hope others find this info handy!