Techniques such as stone coating, diffusion treatment, heat treatment, polymer impregnation and clarity enhancement as well as sophisticated developments in creating synthetic gems, are commonplace today.

IGI's approach to colored stone analysis is extremely important to you, especially in light of the fast-evolving new techniques being used to alter and treat rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other stones.

Before stating species and variety of a particular colored gemstone, all the necessary gemological tests have to be performed. These include separation of synthetic from natural, tracing for all possible treatment and testing for radioactivity.

The colored stone identification report identifies the gemstones specific variety, shape, and cut, carat weight, measurements, color quality and transparency factor, as well as other major optical characteristics. Disclosure of treatments is also noted in this report. Upon request, country of origin may be determined. The certificate clearly states if the stone is natural or synthetic.