Testing colored stones: test just 1 stone per piece?(also: has anyone bought their own lab equipment to test multiple pieces of jewelry?)

[BoSnerdley]

I'm buying several vintage pieces. It's common to see in listings that just 1 colored stone in a pair of earrings or bracelet is tested, as noted on a GIA report. I realize you could spend a lot more testing several stones in each piece, but is it presumed that if they all look similar under a loupe, it's likely they are all similar enough to have GIA randomly pick one to test to verify it's a natural sapphire/ruby/emerald? The colored stones in questions are on the order of 0.3-0.4+ carats each in bracelets and earrings. The seller says they are natural but am evaluating shipping off to GIA for testing given the total package price of the lot.

I was thinking of taking the pieces to a jewelry store that buys estate pieces just to see what they offer me, and if their casual look at them yields any concerns about lab-made (yes, I know, they'll offer low prices since they have to make money). I found one local independent appraiser, but she initially said that the stones have to be loose for her to properly evaluate them (although I was going to run by her place with the jewelry just to see if she would be able to evaluate them once she sees them in person).

I've also toyed around with the idea of buying my own equipment to test, since just one shipping fee alone with insurance is over $400-plus about $600 for GIA testing fees, plus return shipping. I've seen some posts in here and Reddit suggesting various equipment, and several decent pieces could all be had for probably ~$500+. It's just learning to be competent at it, and with pieces mounted in jewelry that worries me.(the pieces are open on the back, so would be viewable if laid down on a microscope slide, etc.)

 

[VividRed]

Not sure what you are asking for.

Can your testing equipment replace a lab report when trying to sell gems? I think you know the answer to this question. Testing equipment is VERY expensive, unless you mean a loupe and a UV torch? Testing usually involves checking for evidence of heat, and the equipment to do that is not cheap.

What exactly is your question? Are you trying to flip stones? Just bring them a jeweler and see how much they offer, probably less than what you paid. Or try loupe troop, it will take 5 years before you sell anything but maybe you’ll recover your purchase price. Maybe

 

[Autumn in New England]

So let's say I'm buying a vintage sapphire tennis bracelet. I, myself, am going to want it certified by a reputable lab. Even though I have training as a graduate of the GIA and own basic equipment (microscope, diamond tester, polariscope, dichroscope, refractometer, specific gravity scale, spectroscope, etc.), I like the mind-clean aspect of having it properly tested by professionals, especially if I ever plan to resell. Plus, they have more advanced technology for deciphering treatments. Aside from that, you can buy all the equipment you like... it takes years to learn how to use it properly, consistently, and with what I would consider a high degree of accuracy. Some folks never quite get there either, despite the will.

If I send this hypothetical sapphire tennis bracelet to the GIA for testing, they're going to take a random selection. See the attached sample report. If the stones come back as expected for composition and treatment, that would satisfy me. I hope this helps!

 

[Avondale]

Are you trying to flip stones?

I actually think OP was considering bringing the pieces to a potential buyer as an alternative way to find out more about their authenticity.

It's just learning to be competent at it

That's one of those things that sounds simple but in reality is anything but. Especially with stones this small.

I agree that having GIA test all of the stones could be quite a bit over the top, depending on the price of the set. But you also don't necessarily need the GIA specifically to test the piece. There are competent gemologists that don't work at the GIA that you could find and reach out to, and quite likely receive the information you're looking for at a more reasonable price.

Also, since you're considering buying vintage pieces, you can head over the relevant section of the forum and ask for more information there. For example, I have no idea how common it is for a single vintage piece to contain both lab and natural stones. My logic dictates that you go with one or the other, and don't mix them together. But who knows.

 

[BoSnerdley]

The feedback is appreciated. I'm just an individual looking to buy some great looking pieces for my bride-to-be for both the wedding day and beyond. Given the quickly-growing costs for lab reports on just this one batch of buys I'm looking at, I was just curious how effective someone could be at spending a wad up-front to buy reasonably decent equipment to look at stones themselves to verify natural mined vs lab, and possibly tell if sapphires have been diffused....because (as I mentioned) it's looking like it'll be about $1,200 total with shipping for 4 pieces to have maybe 14 randomly-selected stones tested by GIA...versus me being able to examine most of the stones in my house for both these and any future purchases.

I have purchased 3 rings previously with AGL/GIA reports on the center stone and a necklace with an NGI report on the sapphires, and would only consider previously-certified (from a legit lab) pieces on larger value items...but for bracelets/earrings that are under $10k, the seller usually doesn't have lab reports.

I'm under no illusion that this is some simple thing you just plug in the equipment, turn it on and voila! But I am always willing to learn and at least try something rather than simply throw up my hand in the air and assume "oh, I can't possibly do that".

 

[LilAlex]

it's looking like it'll be about $1,200 total with shipping for 4 pieces to have maybe 14 randomly-selected stones tested by GIA

I know GIA has a QC-type process that is different from an official report but lets vendors get a quick-and-dirty assessment of a handful of gems in a piece. It just results in a B&W memo and not an "official" GIA report but it is cost-effective. Might not help you when you go to sell but gave me peace-of-mind in buying.

 

[VividRed]

I know GIA has a QC-type process that is different from an official report but lets vendors get a quick-and-dirty assessment of a handful of gems in a piece. It just results in a B&W memo and not an "official" GIA report but it is cost-effective. Might not help you when you go to sell but gave me peace-of-mind in buying.

This is a very good point and perhaps good enough for OP?

 

[BoSnerdley]

It just results in a B&W memo and not an "official" GIA report

I appreciate the idea...but in looking at the GIA fee summary, it appears in the red box to only apply to loose stones? I didn't see any other similar discounted, reduced scope services that would apply to mounted stones...

 

[LilAlex]

In the case I'm familiar with -- and it was within the past handful of years -- it was a half-dozen or so sapphires (of a total of maybe 20) in a bracelet of indeterminate age and it was just for presence or absence of heat treatment. But they were definitely mounted in the bracelet at the time. I'll see if I can locate the email.

EDIT: Here it is, from 2021:

 

[Rfisher]

I've also toyed around with the idea of buying my own equipment to test, since just one shipping fee alone with insurance is over $400-plus about $600 for GIA testing fees, plus return shipping. I've seen some posts in here and Reddit suggesting various equipment, and several decent pieces could all be had for probably ~$500+. It's just learning to be competent at it, and with pieces mounted in jewelry that worries me.(the pieces are open on the back, so would be viewable if laid down on a microscope slide, etc.)

For your own hobby and entertainment values - go for it.

To go off of googled pictures of inclusions and learn that way, then decide your experiments are enough to declare proof without independent lab reports
And then want to sell or garner likes
Youll find very few people who actually can pull that off when a dollar or credible reputation is on the line. Here or Reddit.