- Issuing computerized receipts.
- Testing gemstones using various pieces of laboratory equipment.
(Refractometer, microscope, spectroscope, etc.)
- Issuing reports.
Although gemstone testing accounts for a smaller volume of the laboratory's work, it still plays an important part. Many of the jewellers on the island deal in various stones and it is important for them to be able to obtain an independent report for their customers should one be requested.
The laboratory examines stones to determine their origin (natural, synthetic or imitation) and whether they have been enhanced (also known as treated) in any way. It is common for gemstones in today's market to have been enhanced in some way, and it is therefore up to the laboratory to determine whether a particular stone has been enhanced or not. In some cases the jeweller must disclose the type of enhancement and it is therefore very important to detect and report on such enhancements as opposed to those that are generally accepted in the trade. Examples of enhancements that must be disclosed include: dyeing (staining), coating, fracture filling with a foreign substance (often glass-like material), diffusion and when possible irradiation.
The time required to complete a gemstone testing report depends on the same factors as those listed under the pearl testing identification section of these pages. However, mounted stones usually do not present as many obstacles as mounted pearls and so on the whole the chance of having to request the customer to remove a stone from its setting is much less likely. The time required therefore depends on the type of stone being tested and the quantity submitted.
VERBAL ASSESSMENTS
This is a service that is offered to customers who do not wish to leave their goods for a report. The service is only provided for gemstones, since pearls usually need to be X-rayed in order to be identified. The test involves leaving the item(s) to be examined for between fifteen minutes and half an hour and waiting for the examination to be completed during that time. No reports are issued and there is a standard charge for the service. The customer is always told the result orally and if the staff feel that a more detailed examination is required, they will advise the customer to submit the goods for a report.