Dear colleagues,
The recent increase in cases of synthetic diamonds accompanied by possible genuine certificates is a serious issue that requires everyone's attention. We want to stress the importance of caution in the sources of supply of gemstones and inform you of our findings.
Recent Incidents: Synthetic Diamonds with Genuine or Fake Certificates.
Three (3) different diamonds were received in our laboratory from an equal number of colleagues, accompanied by GIA certificates. Although the diamonds were laser inscribed with numbers that matched the GIA database, our expert inspection revealed that they were synthetic diamonds.
The authenticity of the certificates could not be confirmed. If the forms were forged, then it is a high-quality copy. If, on the contrary, they were genuine, then it appears that forms that have been left in the hands of fraudsters, possibly due to earlier sales, are being reused.
Serious Risks from Opportunistic Markets.
These incidents are usually associated with:
- Shopping online from unverified sources.
- Opportunistic markets at prices below the expected market.
Similar incidents have been reported in other countries, including recently in Italy. Low prices may seem tempting, but they pose serious risks as they are often a bait for non-genuine products.
How to Protect Yourself.
To ensure the quality and authenticity of the gemstones you purchase, we recommend:
- Trust only certified suppliers: Buy gemstones from experienced and certified professionals with a proven reputation in the field.
- Check the certificates of authenticity: Cross-check the details of the certificates with the official database of the certification body.
- Avoid “opportunities”: Very low values often mean increased risk.
- Use specialized laboratories: In case of any doubt, contact specialized laboratories to verify the authenticity of the stones.
The Importance of Attention in our Space.
Protecting your investment and maintaining the trust of your customers is of the utmost importance. In our industry, quality and reliability are the foundations of our success.
We encourage all colleagues to be particularly vigilant and to report any suspicious cases immediately. Together we can shield our industry against such practices.
Yours sincerely,
C.E. Spyromilios CDG, IMJVA, NAJA
