How GIA Identifies Colored Stones

A History of GIA Research
Basic gemological research has been a hallmark of GIA since the Institute was founded in 1931. However, by the end of the 20th century, the identification of colored stones had become anything but basic. New synthetics and sophisticated treatments continue to pervade the industry. And the importance of a world-class research laboratory has never been greater.

Because of the high volume of gemstones submitted for reports, the GIA Laboratory has often been on the front line of discovering new synthetics or treatments. And what comes through the Laboratory is a window to the world for GIA Research. By the late 1900s, the G. Robert Crowningshield Gemological Research Laboratory was recognized as one of the finest gemological research facilities in the world, and the GIA Laboratory had created a database of information on more than 100,000 individual gemstones.

Today, the GIA Laboratory continues to rely on the Research department’s analytical instruments and internationally renowned scientific team.