Frequently Asked Questions

The appraisal is performed by a qualified appraiser in your presence. The appraiser will inspect your jewelry/gemstone to assess its quality, color, clarity, measurements, weight etc. The next step is photographing the jewelry and recording any details about the jewelry. At any time, you have the opportunity to ask any questions about the process to the appraiser. Typical time taken for a single appraisal is approximately half hour, however, it may vary depending upon the complexity of the jewelry/gemstone.

An appraisal describes a jewelry, diamond, or gemstone in a great deal of detail and assigns a monetary value to it. An appraisal is required for insurance purposes, estate settlement or to determine resale value. It is important to communicate to an appraiser what the appraisal will be used for, so he/she can determine the appropriate valuation methodology.

A PGGL report will give you an accurate measurement that is supported by facts and therefore is more reliable than measurements that are based on assumptions and less accurate information.

Essentially a PGGL Diamond Grading Certificate is the same as what other labs are offering. However there are differences in the methodology used for grading the diamonds. PGGL uses ImaGem’s direct measurement technology in combination expert trained gemologists.

PGGL uses ImaGem’s direct measurement technology and equipment in conjunction with expert trained gemologists for grading diamonds. Essentially, a PGGL Diamond Grading Certificate is the same as what other labs are offering. However there are differences in the methodology used for grading the diamonds- PGGL uses ImaGem’s direct measurement technology in combination expert trained gemologists to give an accurate and reliable assessment of your diamond.

A diamond grading certificate is a document that describes the quality of a diamond that it accompanies. Certificates are issued by an independent Gemological Laboratory. The certificate describes the quality of a diamond based on the four C’s (color, clarity, cut, carat weight) and proportions. Some certificates include a plot diagram of the diamond with markings of its clarity features (inclusions). Certificates play a critical role in the assessment of a gem’s value.

There are two approaches that are promoted by different parties in regards to evaluating a diamond based on light performance. Direct measurement of light behavior is developed and promoted by ImaGem. This is a patented technology and takes into account color, clarity, internal crystalline structure, and subtle nuances of faceting in a real diamond. In the second approach, proportions only are used to model or simulate how a diamond will perform. PGGL believes direct measurement of light behavior is the right way to go because you can measure light performance in a real diamond.

The system utilized by PGGL accurately images and maps the size and location of flaws in a three dimensional space within a diamond. The image can be used to identify a diamond as well as make an accurate assessment of the size and location of flaws. For eg: PGGL uses a clarity measurement system that can see a pinpoint as small as three microns (a typical hair is 30 microns thick). The clarity grade is reviewed by a trained gemologist for any aberrations. This approach combines the best and the latest in imaging technology to measure defects or flaws with expert judgment. Only labs using ImaGem’s technology have this capability.

PGGL uses ImaGem’s patented technology which measures color of a diamond. These measurements are highly repeatable. The results of the machine color grade are further reviewed by trained gemologists for any possible discrepancies. Most other labs rely 100% on human judgment.

PGGL uses superior gauging technology developed by ImaGem. For eg: the grading machine can measure directly the shape of a diamond and its table as well as obtain proportions from the side view. Other systems do not have this capability. Except for crown angle, the accuracy and repeatability of proportions is maintained throughout the range of sizes of diamonds that can be processed by ImaGem. Other systems may require change of lens, and recalibration which may or may not be done correctly in the field. Lastly ImaGem reports its results upto 3 decimal places rather than 2 decimal places used by other systems. The error of the equipment used by PGGL is considerably smaller and other systems used by existing labs.

A PGGL Certificate gives you very precise measurements of your diamond by using latest technology from ImaGem, which is highly repeatable and accurate. A PGGL Report also gives you the light behavior of your stone from direct measurement. Light Performance of a diamond is the latest new characteristic now used to assess the value of a diamond. PGGL report also tells you how well a diamond has been cut based on its proportions, polish, girdle thickness, axial, girdle and table symmetry.

A light behavior report gives you a better assessment of a diamond’s appearance. There are many diamonds which have a beautiful appearance, but they may not be close to an ideal cut. PGGL, which reports direct measurement of light behavior, will give you an assessment of value that is marketable.

PGGL uses ImaGem’s direct measurement of light behavior. ImaGem and Gemex both use the direct measurement approach to assess light performance but there are several differences in the two core technologies.

ImaGem uses three main factors to measure a diamond’s light behavior: brilliance, sparkle and intensity. The choice of these measurements was based on theories of human perception (i.e. how we actually see something) combined with tools for measurement of light return that are scientifically accurate.

Additionally ImaGem provides repeatable numerical measurements for brilliance, sparkle, intensity and overall light behavior that are translated into grades.

A light behavior report gives you a better assessment of a stone’s appearance. There are many stones which have beautiful appearance but they may not be close to an ideal cut. PGGL which reports direct measurement of light behavior will give you a light behavior assessment that is marketable.

A moissanite grading certificate is a document that describes the quality of a moissanite that it accompanies. Certificates are issued by an independent Gemological Laboratory. The certificate describes the quality of a moissanite based on the four C’s (color, clarity, cut, carat weight) and proportions. Some certificates include a plot diagram of the diamond with markings of its clarity features (inclusions).

A PGGL report will give you an accurate measurement that is supported by facts and therefore is more reliable than measurements that are based on assumptions and less accurate information.

A diamond, besides its monetary value, has sentimental value to many consumers. It is not uncommon that a diamond is lost due to theft, switching or loose prongs/faulty mounting. The ImaGem-Secure fingerprinting service uses hierarchical imaging techniques to record detailed information on a diamond. This information is used to confirm a diamond’s identity.

The fingerprinting service is non-invasive and does not harm the diamond in any way. Along with verification, the consumer can have peace of mind that if a diamond is stolen, it may be possible to recover it. If a diamond is switched, it is possible to prove that it has been exchanged, and in case a diamond is lost, it is now possible to find a closest match both in size, color, clarity and appearance based on light behavior.

Diamond Fingerprinting is a non-invasive service that measures and stores characteristics of your loose or mounted diamond in a secure database. These unique characteristics are used to verify your diamond at a later point in time.

If the diamond is ever lost, stolen or switched, we can help with identifying the registered diamond. Stolen and missing goods must be reported to appropriate local and federal authorities, insurance companies and your ImaGem-Secure service provider. The service provider will then coordinate with the authorities and other involved parties to identify the diamond from recovered goods.

There are two approaches that are promoted by different parties in regards to evaluating a diamond based on light performance. Direct measurement of light behavior is developed and promoted by ImaGem. This is a patented technology and takes into account color, clarity, internal crystalline structure, and subtle nuances of faceting in a real diamond. In the second approach, proportions only are used to model or simulate how a diamond will perform. PGGL believes direct measurement of light behavior is the right way to go because you can measure light performance in a real diamond.

The system utilized by PGGL accurately images and maps the size and location of flaws in a three dimensional space within a diamond. The image can be used to identify a diamond as well as make an accurate assessment of the size and location of flaws. For eg: PGGL uses a clarity measurement system that can see a pinpoint as small as three microns (a typical hair is 30 microns thick). The clarity grade is reviewed by a trained gemologist for any aberrations. This approach combines the best and the latest in imaging technology to measure defects or flaws with expert judgment. Only labs using ImaGem’s technology have this capability.

PGGL uses ImaGem’s patented technology which measures color of a diamond. These measurements are highly repeatable. The results of the machine color grade are further reviewed by trained gemologists for any possible discrepancies. Most other labs rely 100% on human judgment.

PGGL uses superior gauging technology developed by ImaGem. For example, the grading machine can measure directly the shape of a diamond and its table, as well as obtain proportions from the side view. Other systems do not have this capability. Except for crown angle, the accuracy and repeatability of proportions is maintained throughout the range of sizes of diamonds that can be processed by ImaGem. Other systems may require change of lense and recalibration, which may or may not be done correctly in the field. Lastly, ImaGem reports its results up to 3 decimal places rather than 2 decimal places used by other systems. The error of the equipment used by PGGL is considerably smaller than other systems used by existing labs. (ImaGem +/-5 microns, Sarin etc)

PGGL uses superior gauging technology developed by ImaGem. For eg: the grading machine can measure directly the shape of a diamond and its table as well as obtain proportions from the side view. Other systems do not have this capability. Except for crown angle, the accuracy and repeatability of proportions is maintained throughout the range of sizes of diamonds that can be processed by ImaGem. Other systems may require change of lens, and recalibration which may or may not be done correctly in the field. Lastly ImaGem reports its results upto 3 decimal places rather than 2 decimal places used by other systems. The error of the equipment used by PGGL is considerably smaller and other systems used by existing labs.

A PGGL report gives you a more precise value of your diamond by using ImaGem’s latest technology, which is highly repeatable and accurate. A PGGL Report also gives you the light performance of your diamond from direct measurement. Light Performance of a diamond is the latest new characteristic now used to assess the value of a diamond. A PGGL report also shows how well a diamond has been cut based on its proportions, polish, girdle thickness, axial, girdle and table symmetry.