Certification

Gemstone Certifications: The Ultimate Guide

A gemological certificate is the passport of a gemstone.

 

Plamena is proud to provide gemstone certificates for almost all varieties of gemstones we offer.


Gemstone certification is a procedure conducted in a gemological laboratory using specialized equipment. It is  confirming the authenticity of the gemstone and the characteristics claimed by the seller, such as natural origin, weight, color, clarity, cut, and treatments. 

Gemological certificate is an official document with legal standing, issued by an independent gemological laboratory as a guarantee of the authenticity and quality of the gemstone. The gemological certification procedure includes the diagnosis of the gemstone and the determination of its characteristics according to established standards.

Plamena collaborates with the most reputable gemological laboratories in the world, such as GIA, GRS, SSEF, Gubelin, GIT, AIGS, GFCO, and others.

All high-value gemstones in our stock in Bali have gemological certificates, and sometimes multiple ones. However, we have a small number of gemstones that are not certified at the time they are uploaded to our website. This is because these gemstones are in the lower price range, and having a certificate would significantly increase the final cost.

The costs of international gemstone certification are fully covered by our company. Gemstone certification is a significant expense. We spend substantial amounts of money on certification to protect both our client's interests and our reputation. Plamena Jewelry is the unique company in the gemstone market that takes responsibility for mandatory gemological certification. On Bali market we are single company with this service.
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Why a Gemological Certificate is Necessary
  • Authenticity Guarantee
    One of the main reasons for obtaining a gemological certificate is to confirm the authenticity of the gemstone. There are many fakes and imitations on the market, and a certificate from a reputable laboratory guarantees that the stone is natural and not synthetic or imitation
     
  • Quality Assessment
    A gemological certificate provides detailed information about the quality of the stone, including its color, clarity, cut, and weight (carats). These characteristics directly affect the value of the gemstone. Buyers can be sure that the price of the stone matches its quality.
     
  • Investment Value
    Gemstones are often considered as investments. Having a gemological certificate increases the liquidity of the stone, making it easier to sell or pawn. Investors and collectors prefer to buy stones with confirmed quality and authenticity.
     
  • Consumer Protection
    The certificate protects consumers from fraud. Without a certificate, a buyer can easily become a victim of deceit, buying a stone at an inflated price or of low quality. A gemological certificate serves as an independent expert evaluation, ensuring a fair deal.
     
  • Transparency and Trust
    Transparency in information about the stone strengthens trust between the buyer and the seller. Sellers who provide gemological certificates demonstrate their openness and honesty, which enhances their reputation in the market.
     
  • Scientific and Educational Purposes
    Gemological certificates are also valuable for scientific and educational purposes. They provide accurate data for research and learning, contributing to the development of gemology as a science.
     
  •  Resale to Pawnshops and Jewelers
    A gemological certificate makes it easier to resell gemstones to pawnshops and jewelers. These businesses require proof of the stone's authenticity and quality before making a purchase. A certificate speeds up the resale process and ensures you receive a fair price for your gemstone.
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Gemmological Cerificate Description

GFCO GEM LAB is a Swiss gemological laboratory owned by Geafinco SA, based in Tramelan, Switzerland. This lab offer high-quality services with a strong focus on microscope examination. The reports detail the equipment used for testing as well as comprehensive information on the treatment of rubies, sapphires, tourmalines and etc. 

GFCO has established its typical way to grade a gemstone:

  1. The determination of a gemstone’s origin
  2. The information of your gemstone (cut, colour intensity, cutting style)
  3. The measurement and weight of your gemstone
READ MORE ABOUT GFCO CERTIFICATE
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Why impossible to replace a certified gemstone with the same synthetic one

Attempting to replace a certified natural gemstone with a synthetic one, even if it appears identical, is fundamentally flawed for several reasons:

Unique Characteristics of Natural Gemstones
Natural gemstones are formed over millions of years under specific geological conditions. This process imparts unique characteristics to each stone. Microscopic inclusions, growth patterns, and trace elements are natural markers that cannot be exactly replicated in synthetic counterparts. Even with advanced technology, the synthetic production of gemstones cannot mimic the intricate details and history embedded within a natural stone. 

Security features
Gemmological Certificate come with various security features to prevent fraud and ensure authenticity. These certificates often include holograms, unique identification numbers, and the signatures of accredited gemologists, making them difficult to forge. Additionally, most reputable gemological laboratories offer an online verification service on their official websites, allowing buyers to confirm the details of the certificate. These layers of protection collectively ensure the integrity and reliability of the gemstone certification process.

Ethical and Legal Implications

The gemstone industry operates on trust and transparency. Certification is a guarantee of authenticity and value, and substituting a natural gemstone with a synthetic one undermines this trust. Such actions are considered fraudulent and can have serious legal consequences. Gemological laboratories and industry professionals adhere to strict ethical standards to maintain the integrity of the trade. Replacing a certified gemstone with a synthetic counterpart not only violates these ethical principles but also risks damaging reputations and legal repercussions.

In summary, the unique characteristics of natural gemstones, advanced detection techniques, ethical and legal standards, value discrepancies, and increased consumer awareness make it impossible to replace a certified gemstone with the same synthetic one. Certification not only verifies the authenticity and quality of a gemstone but also protects the integrity of the gemstone industry. Ensuring transparency, trust, and value, certified gemstones remain irreplaceable and indispensable in the world of gemology.
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What do we offer

At Plamena, we believe that each gemstone is a masterpiece of nature, a unique creation that embodies beauty, strength, and individuality. To ensure our customers receive nothing but the best, we offer a meticulous certification process for our gemstones, providing you with the confidence and assurance that you deserve.

Certification Upon Request

When purchasing expensive gemstones, especially for investment purposes, we recommend having them certified by several gemological laboratories for greater confidence. That’s why Plamena offers gemstone certification upon request. Our gemstones can be sent to renowned gemological laboratories, such as GIA, GRS, IGI etc, to undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. This process verifies the authenticity, quality, and characteristics of each gemstone, providing you with a comprehensive certificate that details its unique attributes. Certification upon request is available for an additional fee, which depends on various factors such as the name of the laboratory, the type and weight of the gemstone, and the type of certificate. To learn more, please contact our specialist for detailed information.

Conclusion

At Plamena, we are dedicated to providing our customers with the finest quality gemstones and the assurance of authenticity through our certification process. By partnering with the most prestigious gemological laboratories, we ensure that every gemstone we offer meets the highest standards of excellence. Embrace the beauty, rarity, and uniqueness of certified gemstones from Plamena and transform your life with the magic of natural treasures.


Choose Plamena for an experience that combines luxury, trust, and exceptional quality. Discover your unique gem today and let its brilliance illuminate your journey.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Purchase Receipt?

A certificate is an independent document issued by a reputable gemological laboratory, providing a detailed analysis and verification of a gemstone’s authenticity, quality, and characteristics. It includes information such as the gemstone’s cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and any treatments it may have undergone. Certificates are issued by expert gemologists and add value by verifying the gemstone's quality and authenticity, which is crucial for insurance, resale, and appraisal purposes.
 

A purchase receipt, on the other hand, is provided by the seller at the time of purchase and serves as proof of the transaction. It includes the date of purchase, the seller's information, a description of the item, the price paid, and the payment method. While a receipt proves ownership and the price paid, it does not provide any information about the gemstone's quality or authenticity. Both documents are important, but they serve different purposes in the gemstone buying process.

Does a Gemstone with a Certificate Cost More?

Yes, a gemstone with a certificate generally costs more. The certification process involves rigorous testing and evaluation by a reputable gemological laboratory, which verifies the gemstone's authenticity, quality, and characteristics. This added verification provides greater assurance to buyers and can increase the gemstone's value and marketability.

 

The additional cost covers the fees charged by the gemological laboratory for their expert analysis and the detailed documentation they provide. While this might increase the initial price, the certificate adds significant value by confirming the gemstone’s quality and authenticity, making it a worthwhile investment for many buyers.

Why Don’t All Gemstones Have Certificates?

Certification involves a detailed analysis and evaluation by a reputable gemological laboratory, which can be costly. For lower-priced gemstones, the cost of certification may exceed the value of the stone itself, making it impractical for sellers to provide a certificate.
 

Additionally, the market demand for certification is higher for more expensive and rare gemstones, where buyers seek assurance about the stone's authenticity and quality. For less expensive gemstones, the cost and effort of certification may not be justified, and buyers are often more willing to rely on the seller’s description and reputation.

Should You Buy a Gemstone Without a Certificate?

Buying a gemstone without a certificate can be a viable option, but it comes with certain risks. A certificate provides an independent verification of the gemstone's authenticity, quality, and characteristics, giving you confidence in your purchase. Without this certification, you must rely solely on the seller's description and reputation, which may not always be reliable.
 

If you decide to buy a gemstone without a certificate, it's essential to purchase from a reputable and trusted seller. Ensure the seller has a good return policy and consider having the gemstone independently appraised after purchase to verify its quality and authenticity. While uncertified gemstones can be less expensive, the peace of mind and added value of a certified gemstone often make certification a worthwhile investment.

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About the Shop

Plamena is a jewelry brand designed to fill people with strength using top-quality, natural, certified gemstones and elegant, adjustable-size jewelry crafted by professional jewelry makers on the island of Bali.

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