Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Both individuals and companies can do so.
No, the diamond must be unmounted for a Certificate to be issued. However, for mounted gemstones we offer the service of "Report of mounted gemstone", a document of estimated quality grading. In any case, to know the exact quality parameters it is necessary to unmount the stone, as the mounting always prevents to a greater or lesser extent the observation of the gemstone to know its exact weight, colour grade, purity and cut quality.
No, it has to be done by a jewellery workshop, the IGE Laboratory does not offer this service.
The only way to know exactly the nature and quality characteristics of a gemstone is to have it analysed in a recognised and independent laboratory. The certificate is comparable to an ID card or passport for a gemstone, it does not lose validity over time and has many uses (inventories, appraisals, insurance, etc.). For the sale of gems and jewellery, the certificate or report provides added value, as it gives security to both the buyer and the seller, as it offers the results of analysis completely independent of the purchase and sale transaction.
No. The laboratory analyses the characteristics of the gems, but does not provide economic estimates. The Valuations Department of IGE performs this service. In some cases, depending on the type of gemstones included in the jewel, the appraisal will have to be based on a report or certificate previously issued by the Laboratory.
The certification is issued by the Laboratory and the quality characteristics of the gemstone are given, but not its price. The appraisal is carried out by the appraiser and is oriented towards the economic value of the gem or jewel, which varies over time and according to the objective of the appraisal. The IGE has a Valuations Department that performs this service. In some cases, depending on the type of gemstones present in the jewel, the appraisal must be based on a report or certificate previously issued by the Laboratory.
No. In order to guarantee objectivity and independence in all our services, the IGE does not buy or sell gems and/or jewellery.
No. The IGE is non-commercial and in order to ensure our independence, we do not recommend where to buy or sell gems/jewellery.
For high-value gems and jewellery, it is best to demand a gemmological certificate BEFORE making the purchase, only this way you can be certain about the nature and quality of the gems. The current rules of the jewellery trade do not oblige the seller to provide a gemmological certificate and, unfortunately, cases of incorrect descriptions and even fraud in the sector (diamond qualities that do not correspond to reality, not specifying serious treatments applied to the gems or even selling synthetic stones for natural ones) are not uncommon. In any case, you can always check the nature and quality of your gemstones in a gemmological laboratory after purchase. In order to be able to make any claim against the seller, we recommend at least demanding the fullest possible description of the gemstones on the purchase invoice.
Yes, both the certifications and the reports require a series of analyses and tests that cannot be carried out on the spot, which is why it is necessary to deposit the gems in the laboratory. In the case of verbal consultation (by appointment), it is not necessary to deposit the gemstone, as it is done on the spot. Not all identifications can be made in verbal consultation format. It should be noted that, in the case of verbal consultations, the gem must be brought into the laboratory, and access by outsiders is not permitted, although observation from the public service window is allowed.
The usual deadline for all types of certificates and reports is one week, but it also depends on the workload of the laboratory staff. In the urgent service, the work is carried out on the same day, always by appointment and subject to availability, receiving the gem between 9:30-10:30 am and collecting it between 5 pm, except in the months of June, July and September, when the timetable ends at 4 pm. The express service has a surcharge of 35% on the standard rate.
Yes, but as indicated in the Fares section, VAT (21%) and the amount of compulsory insurance (0.2% of the insured value, exempt from VAT) must be added to the prices of each service.
Yes, for clients with a large volume of work it is advisable to become a "Professional Associate" of the IGE, which has a special rate. The conditions and advantages of Professional Associates are explained in the Associates (Socios) section of the IGE website. In addition, if a high monthly volume of work is achieved, additional discounts are applied.
Yes, all pieces received at the laboratory will be insured and the insured value will be estimated by the client. This insurance covers theft during the period the gem/jewel remains in the laboratory, but not transport to or from our premises.
The insurance fee is 0.2% of the value of the gem/jewel as estimated by the client. The minimum amount of insurance for a diamond is €3,000, so €6.00 insurance would be payable. The minimum amount for coloured gemstones is €600, €1.20 for insurance. The amounts paid for insurance are exempt from VAT.
The colour of fancy diamonds can be natural or produced by treatment. It can also be a synthetic diamond or even a treated synthetic diamond. Advanced analytical techniques are necessary to differentiate the colour origin of fancy coloured diamonds.
The Laboratory can receive material for analysis sent by courier. The courier service must be contracted by the client, both to send it to us and to collect it once the client has been notified that the analysis has been performed.
No. Due to the security measures in place in the laboratory, it is not possible for outsiders to gain access to the laboratory.
You can make a verbal consultation to find out the nature of the stone you have. It is necessary to make an appointment, and the consultation is carried out on the spot. The cost of this service is €30 per stone/type (plus VAT) except for ruby, sapphire, emerald, paraiba tourmaline and alexandrite, where the price depends on the weight of the gemstone. In the case of requesting a written report after the verbal consultation, the amount paid for it will be discounted.
No. Our certificates are those issued by the Instituto Gemológico Español (IGE).
When you bring the gem/jewel to the laboratory, we will ask you if you are going to collect it personally or if you want to authorise someone else to do so. In either case, it is essential to bring the receipt to collect the piece. If an unauthorised person comes, or does not bring the receipt, the gem and/or jewel will not be delivered.
Can't find the answer to your questions?
Write to us at info@ige.org, or call us on +34 91 441 43 00.
