The Challenges of Colored Stone and Diamond Origin Determination

Origin determination represents one of the most difficult aspects of gem identification for gem-testing laboratories, and one that is not well understood by many in the jewelry trade. The gem trade wants to be told, with complete accuracy, where their colored gemstones come from. Unfortunately, science cannot provide this capability. Thus, laboratories must rely on the experience of their most senior gemologists and a familiarity with gem materials from the different deposits to make origin determinations. This is the reason that these determinations are expert opinions – they are not facts. This presentation will go discuss the challenges of identifying gemstone origins, why those origins affect the price and value, and why these same criteria are not as critical for diamond evaluation.