While gemology is an increasingly important field of study in many western countries, its presence here in the Philippines is still young. Many of the jewelry-buying clientele often express their frustrations to us regarding their own possessions, which occasionally have turned out to be imitation stones or synthetic counterparts of other stones. We here at the laboratory, help them to identify, grade, verify and appraise their diamonds and gemstones so that they can obtain assurance in what it is they have.



A common issue that occurs at the lab, is a blunt confusion between simulants (lookalike material), synthetics (atomically same, but man-made material) and natural (earth-mined) gemstones. This is something that our gemologists try to explain to evert client who seeks reassurance in their own understanding of gemstone classifications.

Many also seek information regarding cultured pearls. What are they? Are these pearls not natural? Does it mean that if they were grown by man, they don't possess the same value as wild-caught pearls? We've talked a bit about cultured pearls in a previous blog article, detailing how 99% of the fine pearl jewelry market is actually made up of cultured pearls from the 4 major species- South Sea, Tahitian, Akoya and Freshwater types. Cultured pearls can range from being commercial in value (such as rice pearl strands) to very expensive in cost (such as 25mm Golden South Sea strands). Just because someone says that a strand of pearls is "cultured", it does not possess a high value. Many of today's most illustrious pearl necklaces come from cultured pearl farms. This is different from 'cultured gemstones or diamonds', in the sense that cultured pearls still require the participation of host oysters or mollusks, who provide a very biologically-random factor in their production, making rarity and scarcity a prominently residing issue.

Gemology is a Science that Safeguards the Public Trust Within the Jewelry Sector, However Not Everyone is Aware of Its Growing Benefits for Gemstone Buyers.

Synthetic, a.k.a. man made diamonds are also something that many people here in Metro Manila want to ask about. What does gemology say about these stones that have essentially the same chemical composition and structure as their natural diamond counterparts. Well, these stones can be easily identified by gemological equipments, but not with the naked eye. It's always best to have your stones checked with an independent gem laboratory for the best safety assurance. Standard diamond or moissanite testers will not be able to detect these stones, which currently retail at around 40% of the value stated for their equivalently graded natural counterparts.

Some clients this year were also puzzled at the presence of multi-colored versions of traditionally known gemstones. Sapphires for instance, are not always blue. They can be orange, yellow, pink, white, green among many other colors. Tourmaline, Topaz and Garnet can also come in many diverse colors, breaking the common misconception that these gemstones can be identified more easily by the specific color they're popularized in. Gemology takes into consideration, the scientific mineralogical properties that can be observed in the stones themselves. This is how we are able to help clients find certainty in the identity of their materials.

We are also planning to hold gemological workshops here in the Quezon City laboratory office (Philippines) come June. If you are interested in knowing more, or reserving a slot in the pending schedule, please inquire with our receptionist or gemologists on our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gemcamplab

Many wonder about the current jewelry preferences of budding Filipino collectors and style aficionados from across the urban landscape. Most might tell you that common knowledge dictates diamond to stand out as a wide-spread favorite among the socialites of Metro Manila's bustling gala scene. This has been true for decades to be fair, and yet nowadays there are more and more people coming into the laboratory seeking help with assessing their colored stone jewelry items. We've been seeing rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jade, aquamarine, tanzanite and many other illustrious varieties of gemstone material. Occasionally some of them turn out to be synthetic after careful examination by our GIA graduate gemologists, however the ones that hold their identities as natural gems, are then also tested for the presence of treatments or enhancements. Procedures that improve the apparent clarity or color of gems, are a recurring observation in many of the commercial-to-mid quality stones we take into the laboratory.






Colored stone grading, unlike diamond grading, is a little less universally standardized in comparison. Despite this, a general consensus equates that stones of a more intense saturation, belonging to certain hues (and with more appealing tones) usually trend higher in the pricing scale. At the laboratory, we make use of the alphanumerical codes taught to gemologists at the Gemological Institute of America, each code represents a color-influencing trait of a gemstone. 'vslbG' for example, is an acronym for 'very slightly bluish green', one of the 27 possible hues assigned to gems on our report. Tone on the other hand, is depicted as a single digit number, ranging from 2 (very light) to 8 (very dark). Similarly, saturation stands on a scale as well, with grades ranging from 1 (grayish or brownish) to 6 (vivid). These three color trait indicators, give us guidance on how to properly evaluate the worth of colored stones, in coordination with other aspects like clarity, cut and carat weight.





At the laboratory, based in Quezon City, our G.G,'s are specifically trained to accommodate concerns from both the local and international gem trade. We provide assistance with gemstone identification in two forms- verbally delivered results or printed gemological reports. There are instances where people just want to find out or gain personal assurance about the identity of their item, and do not need printed documentation. Verbal results will save them on time and laboratory fees.





If you're in the area of Metro Manila, or nearby, and need your jewelry items examined for authenticity, please drop us a message on Facebook to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced gemologists.