Professional Practice
Report writing, disclosure requirements, legal aspects, professional ethics, and laboratory certification for gemmologists.
Introduction
Professional gemmology extends beyond identification skills to encompass ethical
practice, accurate communication, and legal responsibilities. A professional
gemmologist must balance technical accuracy with clear communication, maintaining
integrity while serving clients, trade, and public trust.
This module covers the professional standards, documentation practices, and
ethical frameworks that define quality gemmological practice.
Report Writing
Gemmological reports must be accurate, clear, and legally defensible. Whether
a brief identification note or comprehensive laboratory report, certain standards
apply.
Report Structure
A comprehensive gemmological report typically includes:
- Header: Laboratory name, report number, date
- Item description: Weight, dimensions, shape, cut
- Identification: Species, variety, natural/synthetic
- Properties measured: RI, SG, optic character
- Inclusions/features: Brief description of significant features
- Treatment status: Detected treatments or "none detected"
- Origin (if determined): Geographic origin
- Comments: Additional relevant information
- Photographs: Scaled image of the item
- Limitations: Scope of examination stated
Report Language
Use precise, standardised terminology:
- CIBJO Blue Books: International nomenclature standards
- ISO standards: Where applicable
- Avoid subjective terms: "Beautiful" is not scientific
- Qualify opinions: "Consistent with...", "Evidence suggests..."
- State uncertainty: If results are inconclusive, say so
Description vs Opinion
Distinguish clearly between:
- Observations: Objective measurements and features
- Interpretations: What observations mean
- Opinions: Professional judgements
Example:
Standard Terminology (CIBJO)
CIBJO (Confédération Internationale de la Bijouterie, Joaillerie, Orfèvrerie des
Diamants, Perles et Pierres) sets international nomenclature standards.
Key CIBJO Terms
| Term | Definition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural | Formed in nature without human intervention | Excludes cultured pearls |
| Synthetic | Man-made, same composition as natural | Must be disclosed |
| Imitation/Simulant | Resembles but different composition | Must be disclosed |
| Treated | Natural material that has been enhanced | Specifics must be disclosed |
| Composite/Assembled | Multiple parts joined together | Must be disclosed |
Treatment Terminology
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Gems |
|---|---|---|
| H | Heat treated | Corundum, tanzanite, zircon |
| H(a) | Heat with residual foreign substances | Heated with borax |
| H(b) | Beryllium diffusion treated | Sapphire (lattice diffusion) |
| O | Oiling/resin | Emerald |
| F | Fissure/fracture filled | Ruby, diamond |
| D | Dyed | Coral, jade, agate |
| C | Coated | Topaz, quartz |
| I | Impregnated | Turquoise, opal |
| R | Irradiated | Topaz, diamond |
Disclosure Requirements
Disclosure of treatments, synthetics, and simulants is both an ethical obligation
and often a legal requirement.
What Must Be Disclosed
Always disclose:
- Synthetic or laboratory-grown status
- All treatments that affect durability (filling, coating)
- All treatments that affect appearance (heating, diffusion)
- Composite or assembled nature
Disclosure timing:
- Before sale is completed
- In writing for significant transactions
- On any laboratory report
How to Disclose
Disclosure should be:
- Clear: Use plain language the buyer understands
- Prominent: Not hidden in fine print
- Documented: Written record for significant sales
- Complete: Include all relevant treatments
- Accurate: Based on testing, not assumptions
Non-Disclosure Consequences
Failure to disclose can result in:
- Consumer protection violations
- Trade descriptions act breaches
- Professional sanctions
- Civil liability (rescission, damages)
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases
- Reputation damage
Disclosure Obligations
Legal Aspects
Gemmologists may face legal responsibilities in various contexts including sales,
valuations, expert testimony, and professional liability.
Trade Descriptions Legislation
Most countries have laws prohibiting false or misleading descriptions:
- UK: Consumer Rights Act 2015, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading
- EU: Unfair Commercial Practices Directive
- US: FTC Guides for Jewelry Industry
- Australia: Australian Consumer Law
False descriptions of gem identity, origin, or treatment status violate these laws.
Liability Considerations
Professional liability can arise from:
- Misidentification of stones
- Failure to detect treatments
- Incorrect valuations
- Negligent advice
Protection measures:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Clear limitation statements on reports
- Documented testing procedures
- Continuing professional development
Valuation Standards
Insurance and estate valuations carry legal weight:
- Must reflect appropriate market value
- Purpose of valuation affects methodology
- Replacement value vs. fair market value
- Must be defensible if challenged
- May be used in legal proceedings
Expert Witness Responsibilities
Gemmologists serving as expert witnesses must:
- Provide independent, unbiased opinions
- Base opinions on established methodology
- Stay within area of competence
- Disclose limitations of analysis
- Be prepared for cross-examination
Professional Ethics
Ethical practice underpins the trust that clients, trade, and public place in
professional gemmologists.
Core Ethical Principles
Conflicts of Interest
Potential conflicts must be identified and managed:
- Financial interest: Ownership of items being appraised
- Commercial pressure: Pressure to provide favourable reports
- Relationship bias: Friends, family, regular clients
- Referral fees: Payments for directing business
Disclose conflicts and decline work where objectivity cannot be maintained.
Professional Body Codes
Professional organisations maintain codes of conduct:
- Gem-A: Code of Ethics for members
- GIA: Alumni Code of Ethics
- AGTA: Member Standards
- National associations: Jurisdiction-specific codes
Violation may result in sanctions including membership revocation.
Laboratory Certification
Major gemmological laboratories provide authoritative identification and grading
reports. Understanding laboratory services and limitations is essential.
Major Laboratories
| Laboratory | Headquarters | Specialties |
|---|---|---|
| GIA (Gemological Institute of America) | USA | Diamond grading, education |
| Gübelin Gem Lab | Switzerland | Coloured stones, inclusions research |
| SSEF | Switzerland | Origin determination, pearls |
| AGL (American Gemological Laboratories) | USA | Coloured stones |
| GRS (GemResearch Swisslab) | Switzerland | Origin, quality reports |
| Lotus Gemology | Thailand | Coloured stones, treatments |
| DSEF German Foundation | Germany | Coloured stones, pearls |
Report Types
Laboratories offer various report levels:
- Identification report: Basic species/variety identification
- Origin report: Geographic origin determination
- Quality/grading report: Colour, clarity, cut assessment
- Treatment report: Detailed treatment analysis
- Melee services: Screening for synthetics/simulants
Interpreting Laboratory Reports
When reading laboratory reports:
- Check report date (treatments may have occurred since)
- Understand terminology used
- Note any qualifications or limitations
- Verify authenticity (online verification services)
- Recognise that labs may disagree
When to Recommend Laboratory Testing
Refer to laboratories for:
- High-value stones where certification adds value
- Suspected treatments requiring advanced testing
- Origin determination (trace element analysis)
- Natural vs synthetic confirmation for diamonds
- Legal disputes requiring authoritative documentation
Continuing Professional Development
Documentation Best Practices
Record Keeping
Maintain thorough records:
- Test results and observations
- Equipment calibration records
- Client information (confidential)
- Copies of issued reports
- Photographs of examined items
Retain records according to legal requirements (typically 6+ years).
Photographic Documentation
Photographic records should include:
- Standard orientation views
- Scale reference in image
- Consistent lighting
- Inclusion photography through microscope
- Date and item reference
Quality Assurance
Implement quality controls:
- Regular equipment calibration
- Reference stone verification
- Peer review of difficult cases
- Procedure documentation
- Error tracking and correction