Need lab guidance

[CSpan]

Can someone talk me through like I'm 5?

I am waiting on 2 stones from a US vendor who is overseas and I'd like to get them lab reports. The price was awesome, hence buying 2, and if they turn out to be even half the color they show on my screen I'm keeping them both. If they arrive and I'm meh, then returns are to a US address so either way risk is low. But in anticipation of loving them both..

I am not basing the purchase on results of a lab report but since they are unset I figured might as well have them cert'd. If I decide to sell down the line or whatever. One is unheated the other heated.

It sounds like AGL is the way to go, can you walk me through how to order a report and what is the best way to ship the stones? I have no idea if my insurance covers loose stones but let's assume not. I do not need origin, I am confident they came from the mine stated since the cutter is right there.

GIA is much closer to me but the mixed reviews on their CS grading and the long time frame have me leaning towards AGL.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[ShinyPink]

I have sent a colored stones to both labs and diamonds to GIA. You don't mention what the stones are, but if they are pink or yellow sapphires and heated, go with GIA as AGL cannot test for Be in-house and they have to send it out, probably to GIA (they won't disclose where it's sent). If you don't let them send it out, they put a "further testing needed" blurb on the Brief and you'll always have that doubt, too. There's an added charge for it, so just go to GIA. There are also size restrictions on Gem Briefs. Larger stones will require a Prestige report.

AGL prices: https://www.aglgemlab.com/pricelist
GIA prices: https://www.gia.edu/doc/Lab_FeeSchedule_ColorStone_EN_USD_2021_0601.pdf

For AGL, just go to their website https://www.aglgemlab.com and click on the "Submission Guidelines" tab near the top on the right. The forms are there for you to download, complete, and return with your stones. Send them insured, with signature required. I use USPS Priority Small Flat Rate.

Also, make a copy/take a picture of the paperwork you submit, because mistakes do happen. If you need to call them, they are very nice and helpful. Pay attention to the first line item on the submission paper. You can check "Gem Brief" but there's already a check on "Prestige" (see below) so cross it off or you'll get Prestige, which I screwed-up and got once. I let them chose return shipping, figuring they know what is best for their packages.

For GIA, you'll need to set-up an account. It's easy, but if you don't need to use them, I won't get into it. I like that you can check on your stone online with them, plus they email you the results.

Both labs are great, but AGL is easiest as you just print & ship. I hope this all makes sense!

ETA: Call the lab to double-check time frames. As far as grading, I would only worry about a label for a Pad or treatment for emeralds. GIA is all over the place for diamond colors lately.

 

[CSpan]

Thanks so much! I should have mentioned, blue sapphires. So either one would work. GIA is right around the corner but I doubt they take walk ins. I really appreciate it!

 

[MollyMalone]

Thanks so much! I should have mentioned, blue sapphires. So either one would work. GIA is right around the corner but I doubt they take walk ins. I really appreciate it!

Don't know in which country you reside, but this page suggests all the GIA lab locations are open for drop-offs -- although with some, you need to make an appointment in advance:

GIA Locations - hours and services

GIA Locations - hours and services

www.gia.edu

Are the sapphires already on their way to you; if not, perhaps the US vendor would handle the lab assessment before sending them off?

 

[MollyMalone]

Oops, I just checked GIA's turn-around time page, and I now see that not all the GIA labs grade colored gemstones (my apologies, I'd totally forgotten that). But the turn-around times for those labs that are grading colored stones are all less than 3 weeks:

Return Dates

View estimated return dates for items submitted to GIA for analysis.

www.gia.edu

 

[ShinyPink]

Again, just call the lab regarding dropping it off. Carlsbad requires an appointment and NYC is rather busy. You have to have a GIA account if you're using them, something you don't need with AGL. https://www.gia.edu/opening-a-lab-account

Once you have the account, you can complete the submission online and send the stone with copies of the paperwork. https://www.gia.edu/submit-a-gem-duplicate

Both NYC and Carlsbad take sapphires. I'm close to Carlsbad and still mailed my stones, although I think at the time they were closed to walk-ins. If I sent some now, I'd go in-person just because I like the area!

Use whichever lab makes you most comfortable. The stones are insured while with GIA. No clue about AGL, although I'd imagine they are. Doesn't hurt to ask them. The prices are comparable.

 

[CSpan]

Thank you both! I may do GIA just because I have always wanted to go over there.

@MollyMalone they are coming from a US Vendor but being shipped from Sri Lanka and already in the post. I am hoping they get to me next week.

 

[prs]

Thanks so much! I should have mentioned, blue sapphires. So either one would work. GIA is right around the corner but I doubt they take walk ins. I really appreciate it!

We walked in (drove in) to drop off a few pieces at the Carlsbad Lab quite recently (June). You had to make an appointment, but easy to do on their website. Turnaround time for colored stones was about ten days.