Has any one heard of this lab before, it is out of India? Gemstone Laboratory
Location: 113, Lohri ka kurra, Ghat Gate Darwaza, Jaipur,
I just do not trust labs or sellers coming out of India. It seems they open new labs every other week. I received an email from a company wanting me to use their services. Looking for y’all’s input on this company and I would love to hear about some of the great and not so great labs out there.
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When I bought stuff off Ebay from India, alot of the pieces came with certificates(cards) from “labs” that I couldn’t find the names of in the backs of my reference books. The books tell you which labs they trust, and none if these “labs” were named. I know that there were discrepancies that I as a hobbyist could see- no treatment when they were obviously dyed, etc. Disheartening, to be sure. I live my life as if everyone out there is honest and has integrity like myself, but I have had to realize this is just not so. I thought that international guidelines and laws would keep unscrupulous people to a minimum, but with no website controls being enacted, they run free. In my quest for references on the web, I came across an app which stated it would give you lab reports for your stones. I backed away, horrified, so did not investigate further. Maybe I should…I am sure there are lists of reputable labs in trade magazines or websites that would steer you in the right direction. Let us all know what you find out. Cheers!
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Nothing has changed in regard to unscrupulous sellers as this has been going on since mankind first started fashioning gems. don’t be disheartened just become more aware and more knowledgeable 
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Ya just know they are scammers when they come to you with an unbelievable offer and you have never heard of them before. India gave it away also. I’m NEVER sending my stones away to some lab that I’ve never heard of! Are they that truly believing that I was born yesterday? How did they get my information?
All the best
Otter
Hi All, My name is Ramesh Bhalla , I am a gemologist, and an alumni of GIA. did AJP in the year 2008 or 2009.
Being a faculty of GJEPC. Gems and jewellery Export Promotion Council of India. Basically I am a bench jeweller and taught jewelry manufacturing skills at the premiere institute IIGJ… Indian institute of gems and jewellery here in jaipur. I was taking classes there from the year 2000 to 2010.
But because I have my own retail jewelry manufacturing unit so now devoting my full time to my parental shop which my father started in the year 1948.
Recently after doing my diploma in gemology from from IIGJ in 2018. GIA is working herein Jaipur in collaboration with IIGJ.
I have setup a gem testing laboratory. In the Name of STAR GEM TESTING LAB.
coincidentally it is very near to the place you have mentioned here. Although even I don’t know the lab. But in case you might need I can personally visit and find its authenticity.
Jaipur being the capital city of Rajasthan (one of the largest States of India) is the center for all the colour stones.
A large number of people are working in gemstones, be it rough or cut, for centuries I can say. You can find almost any gemstone here.
So no wonder there are new generations who wants to formally learn they are doing it. But yes you cannot trust every other labs.
I am just a newbie in the group here. Hope to learn and share a lot.Thank you
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What are the reference books you are talking about
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I have a few books from Antoinnette Maitlins, and Renee Newman(I think that’s her name). Basically any good gem book is going to have listings in the back of the book, of organizations and labs that they like and trust.
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Thank you for the information, Ramesh. It’s good to know some names of companies in India. I know one can get incredible treasures from India if one looks carefully. Now I just do more due diligence when I buy something from anyone online. And I keep notes of the people I have dealt with, and give my business to people that have been honest and fair. I will make note of your company. Wishing all in India safety and health in these rough times.
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Welcome Ramesh,
Thank you for your input. At this time in your country, I do not think t is a great idea to be out wandering the streets, at least from what I hear. My prayers go out to all in your country right now.
It is nice to know I now have a good contact to go to in your country. I know India has the best stone cutter and some of the best jewelry and metal workers in the world. They also have some of the best stone fakers in the works as well. I bought a few fakes a few years ago that had my head spinning trying to figure out if they were the real thing or not. It took me a few minutes to find out that I was cheated. Great lesson!
I look forward to seeing more of your posts.
All the very best,
Otter
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Hi Otter, thanks.
Yes not just you but every member here has a friend and address in India (Jaipur).
Yes. Very true that it’s not at all the time to visit. actually even I am working from home and not going to my shop…as I had mentioned I am a bench jeweller also so with the permission of the IGS …I would like to share my works when I make something new.
My shop is as old as 73yrs…20yrs before I was born…My father was a great artist and goldsmith. He never let me peep into the gems market, strongly believing that anyone who’s working in gems learns to speak lies and later it becomes a habit wherever he is dealing with. Be it home or society not just business.
There are people who are cheaters and live their lives like that only.
Only clue I can share if you can’t identify the gem whether it’s real or fake is to offering say 10% of the asking price…if you are still able to crack the deal…you have the answer… it’s fake for sure.
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It is a difficult time for so many…markets are closed… business are jammed …a tough time for those who are working in lapidary… earning their livelihood from cutting and polishing stones.
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I Suggest you take a look at this site, since your asking everybody else for your research…it explains some sites date started, locations,.ect ect…one i’d never heard of before, AGI, and one you complained about… https://www.diamond-heaven.co.uk/dh/advice-and-support/education/certification,...all my stuff is either from EGL, GIA, AGSL, GGL…everything is real,…nothing is fake, Dont buy without a certificate…
Ramesh, although I came upon this forum topic more than 2 years after its initial posting, I enjoyed reading about your story and credentials. I looked up your testing lab website, which is very nice. Although I have no immediate testing needs, I am happy that your lab seems to be flourishing. It is encouraging to know of at least one legitimate lab in India!
Does anyone have advice or know if it’s good to use or trust VG gems testing lab?
Hi Deanna! Welcome to the community!
Was not able to find a “VG Gems Testing Lab” during an on-line search. The closest hit to that phrase was a site called Veggagems, Are you referring to that lab?
If that is what you were inquiring on:
The website has not been updated since 2011 but still seems active. Whether or not the business is still in operation is difficult to know. Have you reached out to the Contact Email?. There are so many Lab-type companies in Jaipur, it is difficult to distinguish legit vs. questionable without directly visiting the business in person.
Caution:
Inspecting the website didn’t seem to trigger any hidden malware or trojan scripts. However, it was still calling out and attempting to use Adobe Flash, which was notorious for transporting nefarious code between the host site and the visiting browser. (Hence, the reason I did not post a direct link to the site).
Cheers!
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