Buying & Care Guides

Loose Stones and Mounted Jewelry

The way a gemstone is presented can affect what an examination is able to establish. A loose stone and the same stone surrounded by a mounting do not offer identical access.

That difference should be reflected in the service discussion and the report's wording.

What a setting can change

A mounting may obscure portions of the stone, limit measurements, or affect viewing conditions. Some results may need to be presented as ranges or estimates, while other information may be unavailable.

Read any qualification such as an assessment made as the mounting permits. It explains the conditions under which the result should be understood.

Earlier reports can provide context

If the stone was examined before mounting, retain that document. Ask whether a later description uses earlier information or new observations of the mounted item.

Do not merge those records in a way that hides when or how a result was obtained.

Unmounting is a separate decision

Do not assume the laboratory will remove a stone from jewelry or that removal is necessary for every enquiry. Discuss what can be established in the current form first.

If unmounting is considered, clarify who would perform it, how consent would be obtained, and what responsibilities apply.

Explain your intended use

An inherited ring, a retail piece, and a stone being prepared for resetting may lead to different questions. Tell the laboratory what you need to know rather than requesting an undefined complete test.

Confirm the report product and the limitations before the item is accepted.

Preserve the full result

When a report uses an estimate or range, keep that wording in any subsequent description. Removing the qualification can make the result appear more precise than the examination supports.

For an enquiry with IDGL, describe the jewelry type, number of stones, mounting, existing documentation, and any condition concerns.