Laboratory Services

In addition to offering expert appraisals, we serve our region by offering numerous laboratory services for customers wishing to confirm identity and quality or learn more about their gemstones, silver and jewelry. Here is a brief list of some of our laboratory
services, many of which are provided while our clients observe.

  • Gemstone identification and quality analysis
  • Analysis of potential enhancements to diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls
  • Geographic origin
  • Authentication of timepieces, including date of manufacture
  • Damage reports for gemstones and jewelry to help clients resolve claims with their insurance adjustors.
  • Identification of hallmarks on silver place settings and serving pieces
  • Identification of metals, including karat content of gold
  • Estimates of carat weight of mounted gemstones
  • Confirming accuracy of laboratory documents
  • Plotting of flaws in diamonds and inclusions in colored gemstones
  • Gemstone/jewelry photography

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  • Refining Precious Metals

    2012-02-17

    Like all services within the jewelry industry, the liquidation of precious metal jewelry should be undertaken by a professional, who explains the process and provides their commission before their examination or testing starts. Identifying the karat content of metal is not as easy as it seems. This is especially true when the merchant is asked to separate authentic gold and silver coins from coin-like stampings which have a pure gold overlay atop some kind of base metal or sterling silver.

  • Amethyst: February Birthstone

    2012-02-01

    We begin the lovely month of February with a look at its princely birthstone, the amethyst, symbol of royalty, tracing its heritage to the Minoan civilization in ancient Greece about 2500 B.C. This is a gemstone that has been highly prized by monarchs of many countries over countless centuries, even though it is one of the most affordable and commonly available stones. Historians have absolutely no idea why kings and queens have loved this stone. Everyone knows the legend, that if you drink wine from a cup carved of amethyst, then you will never be drunk. Could it be that this story alone accounts for amethyst's royal favor?

  • Garnet: January Birthstone

    2012-01-09

    I believe almost everyone has seen or knows a garnet ... that red or brownish red or pinkish red or brownish orange gemstone. All of this is true. But there is more, much much more. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the garnet family includes some of the most gorgeous gemstones in the entire world, and that includes almost every color imaginable.

  • Blue Topaz and Turquoise: December Birthstones

    2011-12-01

    Blue Topaz and Turquoise: Two "Blues" for a Joyous Month of Gift-Giving! Two "blues" define the official birthstones for December, despite the fact that this is one of the most joyous months of the year.

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