Step to Step: How to take a Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory
Colombian emeralds are famous all over the world for their beauty, rarity and courage. These green gemstones, extracted from Colombia's mines, have been appreciated throughout history and are highly valued for their unique purity and shades.
If you have a Colombian emerald and want to know its authenticity and quality, the first step is to take it to a certified glutological laboratory.
In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide on how to bring a Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory, thus ensuring that you get a precise and reliable professional evaluation.
Why is it important to take a Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory?
Before we enter the process of taking your emerald to a gemological laboratory, it is important to understand the importance of this action. The evaluation of an emerald by a specialized laboratory is crucial for several reasons:
- Authenticity : The gem market may be plagued by imitations and synthetic emeralds. A gemological laboratory will be able to determine whether its stone is actually a Colombian natural emerald.
- Quality: Gemological laboratories use specialized tools and techniques to assess the quality of emerald. This includes the determination of clarity, color, carving and other factors that affect the value and beauty of the stone.
- Rating : A lab report will provide an estimate of the value of your emerald, which can be useful in securing your jewel or for sale purposes.
- Buyer confidence: If you are considering selling your emerald, a lab report is an effective way to build trust among potential buyers by demonstrating the authenticity and quality of the stone.
Steps to take a Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory
Below are the steps to take to take your Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory safely and effectively:
Step 1: Research
Research and select a renowned and reliable gemological laboratory. Look for laboratories with recognized accreditations, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Institute of Gemology (IGI). These laboratories are internationally recognized for their experience in the evaluation of precious stones.
Step 2: Preparation of the emerald
Before taking your emerald to the lab, it is essential to clean it properly. Clean it with a rag gently to remove any dirt or fat that may affect the assessment.
Step 3: Documentation
It is advisable to document all relevant information about your emerald before you are taken to the laboratory. This includes weight, provenance, property history and any prior certificate or report you may have. Taking clear and detailed stone photographs is also good practice for having a visual record of the gem.
Step 4: Safe packing
Once you have prepared your emerald and collected all the necessary documentation, it is time to pack it safely. Place the emerald in a sturdy jewellery box or in a specialized gem case. Be sure to protect the stone with soft filling to avoid damage during transport.
Step 5: Shipping or visit to the laboratory
There are two main ways to get your emerald to the giological laboratory: mailing it or visiting the lab personally. If you opt for shipping, be sure to use a secure and tracking messaging service, and secure the package properly. If you prefer the personal visit, you should consult the laboratory's care schedules and your certificate delivery times beforehand.
Step 6: Reception of the laboratory report
Once the lab has evaluated its emerald, you will receive a detailed report that includes the test results and the characteristics of the stone. This report is essential to verify the authenticity and quality of your Colombian emerald.
Note:
Bringing a Colombian emerald to a gemological laboratory is a wise and responsible decision if you want to know the authenticity and quality of your precious gem. Following the steps mentioned above and selecting a reliable laboratory, you will be able to ensure that your emerald is evaluated professionally and obtain a valuable report that guarantees the authenticity of your green treasure.
Authenticity and quality are fundamental when it comes to precious gems, and a laboratory report will give you the confidence and knowledge to appreciate your Colombian emerald in its maximum expression.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. She is also a jeweler and is passionate about constantly learning about precious gems and national high jewelry.
Currently, she is working for one of Bogotá's most important jewelry stores, Emerald by Love. This jewelry store has over 40 years of experience and has 2 physical branches in the capital city of Colombia, located in the city center.
