How have you managed to attain the status as the leading Gemological Institute in Greece?
We have reached this level of recognition in our own country as we offer a variety of services that secure every transaction that takes place in the jewellery industry in Greece. As we thoroughly analyze each gemstone and piece of jewellery, consumers and professionals are able to feel confident in our gemological reports, and most importantly they feel safe as they can verify the authenticity of our documents digitally themselves. Furthermore, IGLcert constantly hosts professional educational workshops and presentations in Greece and abroad, thereby enabling them to offer better services to their clients. We always try to stay up to date and a good example of that is the certification of Laboratory Grown (Synthetic) Diamonds. We are proud to
be the very first laboratory in Greece to issue reports for lab grown diamonds which we started doing years ago.
How do you ensure for integrity and objectivity when granting gemological certifications?
It’s tricky talking about total objectivity. A slight difference in views on the diamond’s 4Cs is acceptable worldwide, opinions may also vary from lab to
lab, or between gemologists; there are even cases where the same gemologist may have a different opinion on a particular gemstone under different conditions. What is unacceptable is not disclosing any treatment or laboratory origin of a gemstone, as that can seriously affect its value. At IGLcert, we offer certification and valuation for loose or set diamonds and colored gemstones, which we manage to do in the most objective way possible in our gemological reports using state-of-the-art machinery but most importantly, our knowledge of gemology which has been built up over the years.
Has the way you look at gemstones changed over the years?
Technology has definitely infiltrated our field and our work, from the examination through to certification. What we need to understand though, is that in
order to use the new digital equipment correctly, you also have to understand the principals of traditional gemology. Diamond grading is still done by the
naked eye as we grade for clarity and color, but it has gone digital in terms of the quality of the cut and carat weight. As for colored gemstones, the use of sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment is necessary to verify exact species, origin or treatments. Ultimately, both approaches are crucial. Yes, following certain protocols in order to make a proper identification is important but it really does come down to knowledge and experience at the end of the day.
"Every gemstone has a story to tell and we are here to reveal that story"
Jewellery appraisal is a special process, requiring special training. How are valuations made in Greece?
The valuation procedure applies to insuring gems or jewelry against theft or loss, preparing a will, divorce proceedings, division of family property or private sales. Today, most jewelry appraisals are performed for insurance purposes. A proper valuation includes a clear and detailed description of the item or collection, based on an impartial analysis and valuation, photos of the jewelry, their value, proof of ownershipetc. The valuation process for jewelry in Greece is not well-defined. There is no shortage of people who call themselves jewelry valuers or appraisers, but few of them actually meet the basic criteria such as having a degree in gemology, being a member of an international valuation association that sets standards and rules of
appraisal, and, of course, not being involved in any commercial activity related to jewelry. IGLcert Appraisal & Valuation is the only organization in Greece whose valuers are members of international valuation associations which always operate on the basis of international standards, with access to and communication with all the international valuation and appraisal guides.
Having traveled all over the world, you have come across some very rare diamonds. Are you able to recognize outstanding diamonds straight away?
There are times where I travel to museums for a diamond exhibit so although I know exactly what I am about to see and yet, the beauty of Mother Nature has the ability to still amaze me. Out of the many diamonds I have come across, I will never forget a very rare Golconda diamond and a unique Cartier brooch. When it comes to jewelry, we can’t see at first glance how special it is, we have to do a proper gemological examination or even a historical search.
Which gemstone would you choose for a timeless gift that was also a smart investment for the future?
I would always choose a Natural Diamond. The toughest material known to man it retains its value, can be removed from a piece of jewelry and put in a new one - Diamonds are forever.
