Our gemmological certificates, two levels of analysis for every stone
Laboratoire Gem Quebec issues two distinct formats of gemmological documents. Every stone sold is accompanied, free of charge, by a certificate signed by a graduate gemmologist. A full Tier 1 report, equivalent to the formats adopted by leading international laboratories, is available as an option and included at no extra cost for any stone whose sale value reaches 800 CAD.
The free certificate, a practice unique worldwide
No other known laboratory or vendor includes a signed gemmological certificate free of charge with every stone sold. On the international market, an equivalent document is typically billed between 60 and 80 CAD per piece. Laboratoire Gem Quebec absorbs this cost within the sale price, including for stones whose market value is itself below the usual cost of certification.
Contents of the free certificate
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Dimensions : precise measurements of the stone (length, width, depth).
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Cut : cutting style (round brilliant, emerald, oval, cushion, etc.).
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Weight : mass expressed in metric carats.
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Optic character : uniaxial, biaxial or isotropic.
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Refractive index : value measured on the refractometer.
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Specific gravity : density measured by the hydrostatic method.
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Species and variety : complete mineralogical identification.
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Observation notes : explicit mention of any detected treatments when present.
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QR code : direct link to the digital archive hosted on labgemquebec.com.
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Signature : affixed by the gemmologist in charge of the analysis.
QR code and digital archive
Every free certificate carries a unique QR code linked to a record archived on the Laboratoire Gem Quebec server. This record contains the high-resolution photograph of the stone, the full description of its characteristics and the analysis conditions. The archive remains permanently accessible and enables authentication of the document through a simple code scan, at any time.
The Tier 1 report, equivalent to major international laboratories
For clients who require an exhaustive analysis document, Laboratoire Gem Quebec issues a Tier 1 report whose structure is inspired by the standards adopted by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and other leading laboratories. This report includes all of the content of the free certificate and adds an extended data block, graphic security elements and a presentation aligned with the expectations of the international gemstone trade.
Contents of the Tier 1 report
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All data present on the free certificate.
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Spectroscopic analyses : Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis depending on the nature of the stone.
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Inclusion analysis : clarity diagram and mapping of internal characteristics (natural garden).
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Treatment detection : heat, diffusion, fracture filling, etc.
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Natural versus synthetic distinction : dedicated protocols for diamonds and colored stones.
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Geographic origin : indicated where determinable (sapphire, ruby, emerald).
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Detailed grading : color, clarity, cut and proportions according to international standards.
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Security elements : filigree, unique serial number, signature of the graduate gemmologist.
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High-resolution photographs embedded directly into the report.
Certification policy
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Stones sold under 800 CAD : free certificate included by default. Tier 1 report available as an option against an additional fee.
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Stones sold at 800 CAD or above : Tier 1 report included at no extra cost. This report may be issued by Laboratoire Gem Quebec or, depending on the nature of the stone, by a recognized partner laboratory (GCAL, IGI, SSEF, GRS, among others).
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Stones submitted without purchase : all analyses, free format or Tier 1, are also available to private individuals, jewellers and institutions according to the public rate schedule.
Signature and authentication
Every certificate, free or Tier 1, is signed by a graduate gemmologist of the Gemological Institute of America. Laboratoire Gem Quebec retains an archived copy of every document issued and can, upon request, provide a reissue attestation or verify the authenticity of a certificate presented by a third party.
Quality commitment
Laboratoire Gem Quebec regards certification as inseparable from the value of a stone. The systematic inclusion of a signed free certificate reflects this requirement and guarantees, for every client, full traceability of the gemmological characteristics of their stone regardless of its purchase price.
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