Our Gem Lab

Our gemological laboratory has been operational since 2007. We can identify all natural and synthetic coloured gemstones.

Due to the sophisticated nature of synthetic diamonds we no longer certify diamonds. We recommend that all clients use a highly reputable international gemological laboratory such as the GIA. This ensures that any diamonds they wish to purchase are tested with the most sophistacted and modern methods possible.

Our Gemologist

Our Gemologist, Claire, completed a full year of training in 1993 at Stellenbosch University’s gemological laboratory whilst also completing her BSc Degree in Geology and Geochemistry. She also completed her diamond grading, coloured stone grading, jewelery essentials and Gemologist diploma from the Gem Institute of America.

HEDWIG CLAIRE SCHEEPERS IS A

This Logo signifies that our gemologist studied at the Gem Institute of America and is an alumnus of this esteemed establishment

Some recent interesting cases from the lab:

This stunning rhodolite garnet is an excellent example of why scrupulous honesty or independent coloured gemstone certification is a must when buying gemstones online. A flawless rhodolite garnet is worth more than double that of a visibly included stone. This specimen in the photos below would likely cost around 0.75% of the price of a gemstone that contains no eye visible inclusions.

Rhodolote Garnet gemstone
Typical ‘online shopping’ coloured gemstone photo
Rutile and microscopic inclusions in Rhodolite Garnet
Rutile needle inclusions surrounded by a cloud of microscopic inclusions as seen in our laboratory

Fracture filled corundum

Fracture filled sapphires and rubies can be a real headache for the manufacturing jeweller as they are not easy to spot and, unlike untreated sapphire, can easily be damaged by heat.

Fracture filled sapphire after heat shock suffered whilst the ring it was in was being altered.
Fracture filled sapphire after heat shock suffered whilst the ring it was in was being altered.

Under the microscope

Magnification under a gemological microscope is the single most effective way in which we distinguish between synthetic gems, glass, plastic, treated gems, heated gems and of course natural and untreated gemstones because each inclusion gives us information about the method of formation of the substance under the microscope.

Natural inclusions in a sapphire cabochon.
Natural inclusions in a sapphire cabochon.
Natural Inclusions in fracture filled sapphire
Natural Inclusions in fracture filled sapphire
Colour zoning in natural blue sapphire
Colour zoning in natural blue sapphire
Mineral inclusions in Rhodolite garnet
Inclusions and doubling typical of Tourmaline gemstones.
Inclusions and doubling typically found in Tourmaline gemstones.
Natural inclusions in tsavorite garnet
Natural inclusions in tsavorite garnet

Synthetic flame fusion corundum

Synthetic flame fusion sapphires and rubies have been in circulation for more than 140 years and we frequently encouter variations of these man made substances in the laboratory. Curved stria that are visible under dark field lighting quickly help us distinguish between what is natural and what is synthetic.

Synthetic flame fusion colour change sapphire ring under day-light equivalent lighting
Synthetic flame fusion colour change sapphire ring under day-light equivalent lighting
Synthetic flame fusion colour change sapphire under incadescent light
Synthetic flame fusion colour change sapphire under incadescent light
Curved stria visible under dark-field lighting. This confirms that the gemstone is synthetic in nature.
Curved stria visible under dark-field lighting. This confirms that the gemstone is synthetic in nature.

To book an appointment for coloured gemstone identification kindly email us at admin@searchmin.com