Quick question....Recommend a Gem Lab in UK?

[OTL]

Hi Smart PSers, does anyone know if you live in UK,and want to get a gemstone certificed, which reputable gem lab should be used?

 

[chrono]

Must it be in the UK itself? How about someplace else in Europe such as Gubelin and SSEF?

 

[LD]

I'm in the UK and the answer is "no". You can send them to the Birmingham Assay Office (Safeguard) who can do some testing but they can't test for BE diffusion. However, they will send your stone to one of the labs mentioned by Chrono if more testing is required (at a fee).

 

[OTL]

Must it be in the UK itself? How about someplace else in Europe such as Gubelin and SSEF?

The stone is not that expensive, no need to get such a certificate.

 

[OTL]

I'm in the UK and the answer is "no". You can send them to the Birmingham Assay Office (Safeguard) who can do some testing but they can't test for BE diffusion. However, they will send your stone to one of the labs mentioned by Chrono if more testing is required (at a fee).

I did some google search and found BGI, British Gemology Institue, they have gem report service, just wasn't sure if they are reliable and reputable...

 

[chrono]

Is it just for verification that the stone is what the vendor says it is (something where one does not have to be concerned with treatment)?

 

[LD]

The labs in the UK are limited. For example, I was sure an Alexandrite I had was synthetic but traditional methods of testing (that I and a gemologist friend did) were inconclusive. I sent it to Birmingham, who sent it to their London lab who confirmed it was synthetic. However, I sent a sapphire to them to determine the level of treatment (if any) and they couldn't do it.

So I guess it depends what you want to know. I have never sent anything to BGI and wouldn't do so. If I have an important stone I send to one of the labs Chrono has already mentioned or even AIGS (I know some people don't like them but I've had a great service from them) or even to AGL.

 

[OTL]

Is it just for verification that the stone is what the vendor says it is (something where one does not have to be concerned with treatment)?

Yeah, you are correct, it's an emerald, just don't care how much oil it has for the price,only to know that it is not synthetic, is that a simple test?

 

[chrono]

Yes, it is simple but do you care if the oil is dyed?

 

[OTL]

Yes, it is simple but do you care if the oil is dyed?

Ahh...that's an important issue I almost forgot....Thanks for reminding me. Is it also a simple test to test color or colorless oil?

 

[chrono]

I doubt it is difficult. I would contact the Birmingham office to inquire what they look for in their emerald testing.