Standard reports are typically completed within 5–7 business days. For urgent requests, Same Day and Next Day services are available. Turnaround time begins once the item has been received, and results are released only after full payment has been confirmed.

Where determinable and applicable, each SIG report includes the expert analysis of treatments and an assessment of country of origin along side core identification details such as identification, weight, dimensions, and shape and cut, as well as SIG’s assessment of colour, trade terminology, and appearance. A Notes section may appear to disclose any additional information deemed relevant beyond the standard parameters.

Each report further includes essential framework information such as the SIG report number, date of issue, and a photograph of the gemstone.

For security and verification, reports feature a tamper-resistant hologram, a unique verification barcode, and an access key. The barcode also serves as a gateway to SIG’s digital services, including high-resolution images, videos, and the downloadable digital PDF report, among other features.

All shipments must be accompanied by a completed Online Order Form and sent via an insured courier (such as FedEx, DHL, UPS, Huxe, Ferrari, Brinks, Malca-Amit, Loomis, or equivalent). All items must be fully insured by the sender, and customs values must be accurately declared and shipments paid by the client.

Yes, SIG can test most mounted gemstones. Please note that testing mounted stones is more technically challenging due to analytical constraints. An additional fee of USD 30 per jewellery item applies. In such cases, SIG will provide an expert opinion based on the limitations of the setting.

Certain analyses may still require unmounting for a complete assessment. Clients may choose to have the gemstone unmounted in order to enable full evaluation of its analytical potential. Upon request, SIG can suggest experienced setters should unmounting be required; however, SIG assumes no liability for any loss or damage arising from third-party services, including workshop or setting work.

Geographic origin determination is not an exact science, but an expert opinion and process of assessing where a gemstone was likely formed and mined. It is based on expert interpretation of microscopic inclusions analysis, trace-element chemistry, spectroscopy,, combined with comparison to physical and digital reference samples.

Origin determination represents a professional expert opinion, not an absolute fact. The process is technically demanding and requires specialised training and many years of laboratory experience. SIG gemmologists possess this expertise through decades of hands-on laboratory exposure. In addition, a proprietary SIG-AI algorithm is used to support, cross-reference, and continuously refine analytical findings.

In some cases, gemstones may display characteristics consistent with multiple geographic sources. When this occurs, a definitive origin determination may not be possible. In such cases, the country of origin will be omitted from the report, and any relevant limitations or observations may be referenced in the Notes section.

To verify a report, scan the QR code on the report using your smartphone camera while connected to the internet. Alternatively, enter the report number and access key shown next to the QR code into the online verification tool on our website.

Once verified, you may view the report details and download the report as a PDF.

Important limitations: Online verification confirms that the report exists in SIG’s database. It does not guarantee the authenticity of the physical report presented, nor does it confirm that the gemstone in hand matches the report.

For complete assurance, we recommend in-person re-examination at one of our locations. Preferential pricing may apply for verification updates.

Yes. SIG identifies and clearly discloses synthetic and laboratory-grown gemstones. Our reports explicitly distinguish between natural and laboratory-created stones.

SIG provides identification reports for synthetic gemstones. However, we do not issue Appearance or Colour grades, nor do we report geographic origin or provide further treatment disclosures for laboratory-grown gemstones. Once a gemstone is determined to be synthetic, this disclosure constitutes completion of the requested service.

We accept all major payment methods, including:

• Bank transfers
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• UnionPay
• Alipay
• WeChat Pay
• Crypto stablecoin payments (available starting Q4 2026)

All payments must be made in full prior to the release of results. For new clients, prepayment may be required before testing begins.

All prices are quoted in USD or CHF, unless otherwise specified. We accept the following currencies:

• In Switzerland: USD and CHF
• In Hong Kong: USD and HKD

Other major international currencies are accepted at the daily cash buy rate published by HSBC or UBS, as determined by SIG.