The AIGS Gemological Laboratory was the first professional gemological laboratory to be established in Asia (1978).
The AIGS Gemological Laboratory is a private, independant gemological laboratory. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), and The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
Being located in the heart of Thailand’s gem district, gives us the perfect opportunity to see new gemstones or gem treatment coming into the market. The AIGS Gem Laboraotry is very well known for its expertise in colored gemstones, especially Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Jade and rare stones but it also provides identification and grading services for diamonds and jewelry.
The AIGS Laboratory's primary objectives are to provide to customers with accurate and world-wide recognized gemstone identification and diamond grading reports in a minimum possible time at the best price.
The AIGS Gem Laboratory is commited to continue to invest in the latest technology and is already equiped with advanced laboratory instruments such as FTIR, EDXRF, UV-Vis etc...
Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
Posted: Sat May 29, 2010 5:06 pm
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Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:04 pm Posts: 476 Location: United States
Does anyone know without a doubt if they have this machine? I assume they do because they have various HT codes that indicate the presence of foreign elements. I don't understand why they would have these codes if they did not have the ability to test for the presense of foreign elements.
The reason I ask is that I get the memo quite often with many gems I purchase overseas in Thailand, and I want to make sure they have this ability to test for diffusion. It is very important to me. I emailed them, but I have not had a response.
Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 6:20 am
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Joined: Tue Jun 01, 2010 3:55 am Posts: 2
Here is my experience (from one month ago). I took blue and yellow sapphires to the AIGS lab and asked them to check them for lattice diffusion (beryllium). I requested the Brief Report for each of my gems. When the reports came back they said "HT" (heated) and "Not LIBS tested". The lab informed me that they do not yet have the special machine for testing for beryllium. They say they are planning to purchase one.
Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 7:44 am
Valued Contributor
Joined: Sat Jul 07, 2007 10:04 pm Posts: 476 Location: United States
I just got this email from AIGS. I feel their HT designations on the webpage I linked to are very misleading because from them, one assumes they can test for diffusion. This is very disappointing. They should indicate on their webpage that you need to specifically request this service if you require it. They do not that I have found. I'm obviously very upset about this since I have a sapphire with the HT designation on their memo, and now I think it could be diffused. I specifically requested this memo because I thought they could test for diffusion based on the HT designations they have on their website. My report does not say "Not LIBS tested" however. It only states HT.
Quote from AIGS: Thank you for your email. We are in the process of acquiring the machine that is able to test for beryllium treated sapphires. Having said that, please also note that natural sapphires may contain beryllium naturally. The test performed can only indicate the presence of beryllium (on locations tested) and cannot conclusively determine if a stone has been beryllium treated.
The HT designation on our reports means the stone is heated, but we do not test for beryllium treatment. However, we are in contact with a few different labs, and if needed can provide you the service required.
Post subject: Re: AIGS ability to test for diffused corundum
Posted: Tue Jun 01, 2010 8:08 am
Site Admin
Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 11:24 am Posts: 7523 Location: Rome, Italy
Just a sidenote, LIBS is not considered the best device for be-diffusion detection, an LA-ICP-MS must be used in order to have more accuracy. That Puppy is a VERY expensive gear compared to LIBS, some LABS simply doesn't have the resources to purchase & manage one and tend to etabilish connections with local University. ciao alberto
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