Gemological Certification in Hatton Garden Jewellers

At World Gemological Institute, all of the gemologists are graduates of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) with years of industry experience. Staff keep their training current through seminars, lectures and advanced gemological studies, including the Fellowship (FGA) through the Gemological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A). Diamond colour is graded on the lack of colour. A pure, structurally perfect diamond has no hue, like a drop of clear water, which raises its value. The D to Z scale assesses colour by comparing a stone against master stones of established value. Cut is about how well a diamond's facets interact with light, which takes precise workmanship to get the proportions, symmetry and polish right. Clarity comes down to the internal inclusions and external blemishes formed as the diamond grew under heat and pressure; the closer to pure, the higher the value. Carat weight measures how much a diamond weighs, with one metric carat set at 200 milligrams and each carat divided into 100 points for stones below a carat.

Taylor Jewellery Valuation provides international jewellery valuation and gemological certification across gemstones, diamonds, jewellery and precious metal objects. Clients include insurers, accountants, liquidators and creditors, police, trading standards, and plaintiffs and respondents, with work done for both defence and prosecution in civil and criminal cases. Most of it concerns value, supported by extensive expertise and advanced testing equipment. Professor Richard Taylor, the principal jewellery valuer and consultant, has more than 30 years' experience preparing expert valuation reports for civil, criminal and matrimonial disputes. He is instructed internationally, with clients across Africa, the USA, Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia, and is regularly engaged by Police, Revenue and Customs and other government departments, as well as major companies and private individuals. The service covers both privately funded and publicly funded cases.

IDRC offers both repair services and trusted appraisals from a fully-equipped laboratory in Hatton Garden. It is run by certified gemologists, and the work covers jewellery, diamonds, and watches. The grading report is the core of the business, written as an unbiased professional opinion. Each report sets out the four Cs, Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut, and a minimum of two graders examines every stone to keep things impartial. The full Diamond Report goes further, covering measurements such as diameter, depth, crown and pavilion angles, culet, table size, girdle, and fluorescence, with illustrations and markings to show the diamond's proportions. The reports are written to be clear and easy to read. For anyone who wants quick advice, IDRC also gives pre-grading verbal opinions from qualified staff.

Holts Lapidary is one of the UK's largest suppliers of natural precious gemstones and gem-set jewellery, sat in Hatton Garden. Their in-house gemologists, lapidaries and designers can talk you through the choice, from emeralds and rubies to amethysts and sapphires, in round, princess, oval, cushion, faceted, cabochon or drop cuts. If they haven't got what you want, the lapidary team can source or cut it to order. The collection of rough and polished material has been gathered from around the world over 71 years, including rare items Mr Holt brought back from China, Brazil and Africa in the 1950s. They specialise in certified natural, unheated sapphires alongside unusual gem and crystal specimens, and buy continually so there is always something new in. Holts are members of the National Association of Jewellers and the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, and have been named Retail Jeweller of the Year. Their lapidary department, with a combined 81 years of experience, has cut for houses including Faberge, Cartier and Asprey, and offers carving, faceting, polishing and restoration from the in-house workshop.

Since its inception in 1908, the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) has been at the forefront of gem and jewellery education. Beginning with the UK's first gem course, Gem-A has expanded its educational offerings to include the highly esteemed Gemmology and Diamonds Diplomas, which are taught in 26 countries and seven languages. Known for their rigour and depth, these diplomas have gained worldwide recognition, solidifying Gem-A's standing as a leader in gemmological education. Gem-A: More Than Just Education Founded in 2003, Gem-A has evolved into a global community of gem professionals and enthusiasts. Aside from offering top-tier educational courses, the association also supports worldwide gemmological research and serves the broader interests of the gem and jewellery sectors. Members enjoy a variety of perks, including access to gemmological equipment and an active calendar of events and conferences. In addition, Gem-A publishes two internationally respected journals, The Journal of Gemmology and Gems & Jewellery, further enhancing its position as a vital resource in the industry.