Gemstones have fascinated humanity for centuries, with their exquisite beauty and undeniable allure. To some, they have magical powers, or emit different energies for healing, soothing, or stimulating. To others, birthstone gems represent powers and characteristics in a person’s life, like the zodiac. As a metaphor, a gem is a person who is highly valued, and a diamond in the rough is someone who surprisingly stands out. In the story, it was the Emerald City where Dorothy’s adventure begins and ends, and the Ruby Slippers who clicked her home to Kansas.
For all their prestige and mystique, a gemstone is simply a rock, a naturally occurring mineral or organic material that possesses beauty and rarity. It is formed by metamorphic geological processes whereby heat and pressure cause the original stone to crystallize deep within the Earth’s crust.
Most prized are Precious Gems: diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. Semi-Precious Gems are not as rare or valuable, but still treasured for their beauty and unique properties. These include amethyst, citrine, garnet, topaz, turquoise, opal, and many others in rainbow hues. Altogether, there are 29 recognized gemstone types.
What Gives Value to Gemstones?
The monetary value of gemstones is based on factors such as color, clarity, cut, carat weight, and overall beauty. These characteristics are measured and rated by gemologists and industry professionals using standardized grading systems to assess and communicate the quality and value of gemstones accurately and consistently.
This practice originated during the depth of the Depression, thanks to one Mr. Robert M. Shipley. Shipley had spent several years in Paris, working as a museum lecturer while taking correspondence courses with Great Britain’s National Association of Goldsmiths. Recognizing that most American retail jewelers knew very little about gemstones, he traveled to Los Angeles and founded the Gemological Institute of America in 1931. Its intent was to create a standardized system of evaluating and certifying gemstones, and to bring professionalism and credibility to the gem industry.
GIA: Pioneers of Gemological Education and Analysis
The institute developed a comprehensive curriculum that covered gemstone identification, grading, and evaluation techniques. GIA also pioneered the use of modern gemological instruments and techniques, such as the loupe, microscope, refractometer, and spectroscope, and something called laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectromety, to analyze gemstones more accurately.
The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory was established in 1953 to provide independent grading and certification services for diamonds and colored gemstones. GIA’s diamond grading system, known as the 4Cs (carat weight, color, clarity, and cut), became the industry standard and revolutionized the way diamonds were evaluated and traded.
What started as an educational institution evolved into a globally recognized authority in gemology. The GIA’s commitment to excellence and its emphasis on education and research have solidified its position as a leader in gemological certification and education. In today’s market, where laboratory-grown and treated stones are becoming more and more popular, GIA certifications serve as essential tools for buyers, sellers, and collectors, ensuring origins, and protecting against fraudulent practices.
GIA Certification: Ensuring Transparency and Authenticity in Gemstone Transactions
GIA certification also acts as a reliable reference point, providing crucial information about the stone’s attributes. In addition, it is instrumental in preserving the value of gemstones over time. A certified gemstone carries credibility in the market, and is more likely to retain its value, and to appreciate over time. Certification enhances the stone’s marketability, instilling trust in potential buyers and commanding a higher price.
In the world of gemstones, where beauty and value intertwine, Gemological Institute of America Certification plays a crucial role. These certifications act as gatekeepers, ensuring transparency, authenticity, and knowledge in the gemstone industry. By relying on the expertise of gemologists and the rigorous evaluation process, buyers and sellers can interact with confidence and trust.
Whether you’re purchasing a gem for personal adornment, investing in a precious stone, or trading in the gemstone market, GIA Certification is an indispensable tool that unlocks the mysteries of gemstones, providing trust and confidence to all stakeholders involved.
GIA-Certified Gemstones in Tomo Jewelry
Complete your ensemble from our exquisite collection of fine jewelry. From the timeless elegance of Tomo jewelry, all with GIA-certified gemstones, from the Blue Sapphire Platinum Ring With Diamonds to the captivating allure of the 18k White Gold Halo Diamond Pendant Necklace with blue sapphire, the 18k Yellow Gold Halo Diamond Pendant Necklace with blue sapphire, and many others, each piece is a testament to luxury and style. For a touch of sophistication, adorn yourself with the 18k White Gold 9 Diamond Drop Necklace with an oval sapphire.
Conclusion:
TOMO takes pride in using GIA-Certified gemstone to assure that your jewelry piece remains a recognized treasure for many years to come.
A wealth of information is available on the GIA website, including the latest research, tools for assessing the 4C’s, photo galleries and articles from the GIA Museum, and gemology courses available to anyone.
