Natural stones have been used in construction, decoration and art for thousands of years. With their aesthetic appeal, durability and unique textures, they offer an ideal option to decorate our homes, workplaces and outdoor areas. However, there are also fakes and low-quality versions of natural stones. For this reason, international certification systems have emerged to provide assurance about the quality, integrity and sustainability of stones. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the types of stones that are internationally certified and focus on information that will help you make the right choices.
Natural Stones and Certification
The value of natural stones is related to their uniqueness and rarity. However, there are many fake stones and low-quality materials in the market. Therefore, the natural stone industry has adopted certification processes to provide assurance about the quality and sustainability of stones. International certification bodies evaluate the source of stones, extraction methods, processing processes and quality standards. Certification is an important step in providing safe and sound stones to consumers.
International Certification Bodies:
Gemological Institute of America (GIA):
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a globally recognized certifying body for jewelry and gemstones. The GIA certifies many natural stones, including diamonds, pearls, and colored stones. The most recognized certification is the "GIA Certification", which details factors such as the stone's cut, clarity, color scale, and carat weight.
International Gemological Institute (IGI):
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) was founded in 1975 and is an organization that provides reliable certifications for the jewelry industry. IGI certifies many natural stones such as diamonds, colored stones, and brilliants. IGI certifications include the stone's cut, clarity, color scale, carat weight, and other evaluation factors. In addition, IGI's certifications verify that the stone is natural and that ethical standards were followed during processing.
Secure Diamond Council (RJC):
The Safe Diamond Council (RJC) is an organization that develops and enforces certification standards for the gemstone industry. The RJC evaluates the source of diamonds, processing processes, and ethical standards. RJC certification indicates that the diamonds are conflict-free and follow environmental and social responsibilities.
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC):
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization that provides international certification for wood and forest products. Wood materials, which are often combined with natural stones, must come from certified forests and comply with sustainable forest management principles. The FSC certification indicates that the stones come from the right sources and do not harm the environment.
Internationally Certified Stone Types:
Diamond
Diamonds are the most famous of all precious stones. Organizations such as GIA and IGI evaluate the quality and characteristics of diamonds. The certificates detail factors such as the diamond's cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Certified diamonds provide assurance and are ideal choices for investment purposes or jewelry making.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a popular choice among natural stones and stands out with its color spectrum. GIA and IGI undertake the certification of sapphires. The certificates verify the sapphire's color intensity, clarity and cut quality. It also indicates the sapphire's source.
Emerald
Emerald is one of the green natural stones and is known for its value. Organizations such as GIA and IGI evaluate the quality of emeralds. Emerald certificates indicate the color tone, clarity and processing quality of the stone. It also contains information confirming the source of the emerald and its naturalness.
Ruby
Ruby is a bright red natural stone and is valuable. Organizations such as GIA and IGI certify rubies. The certificates describe the ruby's color intensity, clarity and cut quality. The certificate also includes information such as its source and whether it is natural or not.
Diamond
Diamond is one of the hardest and most valuable natural stones. GIA and IGI provide certification of diamonds. The certificates evaluate the 4Cs of the diamond (cut, clarity, color and carat weight) in detail. Certified diamonds have investment value and allow you to make a correct evaluation.
Marble and Granite
Conclusion :
International certification bodies provide consumers with confidence in the quality, integrity and sustainability of natural stones. Organizations such as GIA, IGI, RJC and FSC undertake the certification of different types of stones, such as diamonds, colored stones, brilliants and building materials. These certificates verify the sources of the stones, processing processes, quality standards and ethical practices.
When choosing natural stones, it is important to prefer those with international certificates. These certificates guarantee that your investment is safe and that you have made the right assessment. In addition, you will adopt a sustainable approach by using stones that follow environmental and social responsibilities.
Remember, natural stones add beauty and value to any project, but certified stones provide both safety and long-term sustainability. By choosing stones with the right certifications, you contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the support of fair trade.
In summary, international certification plays an important role in providing confidence to consumers in the quality and authenticity of natural stones. Certification bodies such as GIA, IGI, RJC and FSC evaluate the origin, quality, processing process and sustainability of natural stones. Certification of different types of stones such as diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, brilliants and marble provides assurance to consumers and makes it easier for them to make the right choices.
When choosing natural stones, it is important to choose those with international certifications. These certifications verify the authenticity, quality and ethical practices of the stone. In addition, you adopt a sustainable approach by using stones that follow environmental and social responsibilities. Natural stones will continue to be an excellent option for decorating our homes, workplaces and outdoor areas. International certification offers a safe approach to stones and allows you to enjoy the beauty and value of natural stones for a long time.
Sources :
Gemological Institute of America - www.gia.edu
International Gemological Institute - www.igi.org
Responsible Jewelery Council - www.responsiblejewellery.com
Forest Stewardship Council - www.fsc.org
