When you invest in a gemstone for its beauty or its healing energy, you want to make sure you get what you pay for. Unfortunately, wherever money is involved, there is the potential for fraud, and that is no different in the gemstone market. With the rise in fraudulent practices within this industry, the certificate that accompanies your gemstone may not always be as reliable as it seems, and today's market is filled with both genuine sellers and the not-so-honest ones. So, how do you know if your gemstone certificate is genuine and whether the gemstone in your hand is the same as that described in the certificate?
Let’s take a look at how to check your gemstone certificate or identify what to look for in order to protect yourself from fraud.
What is a Gemstone Certificate, and Why is it So Important?
A gemstone certificate is an official document that is issued by one of the reputable gem-testing laboratories. It serves as a vital document, disclosing information such as the type of gemstone, carat weight, cut, colour, clarity, and all other specific details like the refractive index or specific gravity of the stone. This certificate confirms that the gemstone you are purchasing is authentic and gives full insight into its quality.
The truth is that a certificate adds value and trust to your gemstone purchase, but it is not enough to just accept the certificate at face value. You have got to make sure that the certificate actually matches the gemstone that you are holding, and also that the lab issuing the certificate is credible.
Understanding What You'll Find on Your Certificate
When you get your gemstone certificate, you will find a number of important details on it. While some laboratories, such as IGI and IIGJ, mention the origin of the gemstone, which is the country or mine from which it came, not all laboratories issue the same format in their reports.
Other laboratories, like IDT Worldwide, which we use at Pramogh to verify all of our gemstones, do not include the origin of the gemstone on the certificate. This doesn't make the certificate false. Every laboratory has its own set of standards and certificate format, and the lack of origin's mention does not affect the authenticity of the gemstone.
Generally speaking, a good certificate will have the following important details:
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Certificate Number: It is the unique identification number assigned to your gemstone's certificate. Using this number, you can quickly trace your stone's report on the official website of the testing laboratory.
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Weight of the Stone: This denotes the exact weight of the gemstone in carats.
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Shape and Measurements: These include the precise dimensions and shape of the gemstone.
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Colour, Optical Character, and Refractive Index: These represent the colour quality, light reflection characteristics, and other measurable scientific attributes of the gemstone.
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Specific Gravity and Magnification: These give insight into the stone's density and clarity under magnification.
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Treatment Status (Heated/Treated or Natural): This will tell you if the stone has been treated or is natural.
While the origin may not always be mentioned, these other details, like the treatment status especially, are just as important for verifying the authenticity of a gemstone.
Steps to Verify Your Gemstone Certificate
Now that you understand what normally comes with a certificate, let's delve into the steps you can take to confirm the authenticity of the certificate and the stone:
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Check the Certificate Number and Use the QR Code
Every valid gemstone certificate will carry a unique certificate number. This number is supposed to link back to the database of the testing lab. For example, at Pramogh, the lab we use is IDT Worldwide. It provides a QR code on each certificate. Scanning that with your smartphone should take you directly to the official website of the gem-testing lab.
This is the best way to verify the authenticity of that certificate. If the QR code leads you to the official page of that lab and shows you details matching with the ones on the certificate, then this is a certificate you can stand by. If the QR code doesn’t work or goes to some unknown or suspicious page, that is a big red flag.
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Compare the Gemstone in Front of You with the Certificate and Website Image
One of the most important steps in the verification of gemstones is to ensure that the one in your hand is actually the same as on the certificate and also on the website from which you made the purchase. Check the colour, cut, and size of the stone. Does it match the picture shown on the seller's website? Is it the very stone described in the certificate?
Sometimes, a scammer may try to sell you a completely different stone from the one in the picture. Pay close attention to the cut and shape of the gemstone and ensure it matches the specifics on the certificate. If the gemstone in front of you appears different from the image or the description, then you probably haven't received the stone you were promised.
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Check the Lab's Credentials
Always check who issued the certificate. Most reputable labs that issue gemstone certificates will have some level of credibility and professionalism. For example, IDT Gemological Laboratories Worldwide is a trusted name with a solid presence in the gemstone industry. If the certificate is from a lab that has no online presence or isn't recognized in the gemological community, one should question the stone's and the certificate's authenticity.
Other laboratories, like IGI or IIGJ, might specify the origin of the gemstone, while others, such as IDT, might not. That does not make the certificate less valid. What really matters is their established reputation and worldwide presence, since these are the real markers of the credibility of the certificate.
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Look for Security Features
Reputable gemstone certificates often include security features to prevent fraud or tampering. These are likely to be holographic stamps, watermarks, or a security code that authenticates the certificate. If these do not exist or seem poorly printed, there is a chance the certificate may be fake.
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Check the information on the certificate
Finally, take a close look at the details on the certificate. If the weight, colour, cut, and other characteristics of the gemstone listed in the certificate fail to match the actual gemstone you have, that is a warning sign. For instance, if the certificate mentions that the gemstone is of a certain weight or colour, yet the stone in your hands looks or feels completely different, then it needs verification by a professional.
How to Identify a Fraudulent Gemstone Seller
Even with a valid certificate, some sellers may try to pass off low-quality stones or mislead you with untruthful claims. To safeguard yourself, here are some red flags to look out for when buying a gemstone:
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Unbelievably low prices: If the price of a gemstone is way below the current market price, then this itself hints at fraud. Real precious stones with good quality don't usually come cheaply and carry a certain price tag because of all the work that goes into procuring them.
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No Clear Contact Information: A good seller must clearly display how the customer should contact them. If you cannot find their address, phone number, or email address, or if such contact channels are unclear, be wary.
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No Easy Way to Verify the Certificate: If a seller is showing unwillingness to provide a certificate or fails to answer your questions in terms of independently verifying the certificate, this is a major warning sign you must not ignore.
Stick to Reputable Sellers and Labs
It is always the best decision to purchase a gemstone only from the most reputable sellers who are transparent in terms of their policies and certification. We at Pramogh ensure that every single gemstone is tested and certified by IDT Worldwide, a globally recognized laboratory in terms of its presence and credibility. In this way, we provide assurance that you get a gemstone that has been well-tested and verified for its authenticity.
Conclusion
Buying a gemstone is not another casual purchase; it’s an investment in something beautiful, meaningful, and possibly life-changing. However, as fraudulent practices are growing more than ever, one should be aware of each step involved in verifying that the product is genuine.
By following all the steps above, from checking the certificate number to utilizing the QR code, closely inspecting the gemstone itself, and authenticating the lab's credibility, you can confidently protect your purchase and ensure that the gemstone you hold is exactly what it is supposed to be.
Keep in mind, the certificate is a part of your gemstone's story, and it's on you to make sure that story is true. Stay smart and educated, and go with trusted sellers who truly respect honesty and integrity. With the right information, you can protect your investment and enjoy the beauty and energy of your gemstone with no doubts.
FAQs
How to check if a gemstone is real or not?
To check if a gemstone is real, closely examine its colour, weight, and clarity. Real gemstones typically have imperfections, but the fake ones sometimes appear absolutely perfect. However, the best possible way is to have your gemstone tested at a professional gemological laboratory. So, don't forget to ask your seller for a gemstone certificate with your purchase, and also verify the credibility of that certificate by yourself.
How to verify a gemstone certificate?
To verify a gemstone certificate, check the unique certificate number on the document. If there is a QR code available, then use it to scan and visit the lab's official website. Ensure the gemstone details regarding its weight, colour, and cut match the stone in your possession. Always verify the credibility of the lab issuing the certification of the gemstone.
How much does it cost to certify gemstones?
The price for certification generally lies between ₹1,000 and ₹5,000, depending upon the variety, size of the gemstone, and the laboratory. Some laboratories may also charge extra for other tests, such as origin determination. It is worth mentioning that only a renowned gem-testing laboratory should be selected for certification.
Which lab certificate is best for gemstones?
The best lab certificates for gemstones come from reputable and globally recognized laboratories like IDT Worldwide, IGI, and IIGJ. These labs guarantee thorough testing and clear reports and are trusted worldwide for gemstone authentication.
How to check a gemstone online?
To check a gemstone online, review its certificate and the seller's website for transparency. Verify authenticity with the testing lab using the certificate number or QR code, and compare the listed characteristics, like colour, weight, and cut, to the actual image of the gemstone for consistency.
