How to read a gemstone dossier

A gemstone dossier is more than a collection of documents. It links the physical stone to its description, its examination and its history. Each component answers a different question – and only when they agree does the dossier become meaningful.

Identity: which stone is this?

It starts with the features by which the stone can be recognised: species and variety, weight in carats, dimensions in millimetres, cutting style and colour. These details must match the laboratory report. If the weight differs by even a few hundredths of a carat, that is a reason to ask, not to assume a measuring error.

Laboratory report: what was established?

A report from an independent laboratory records which material is present, whether a treatment is detectable and – if requested – which origin the laboratory considers likely. The report number, the date of issue and the ability to verify the report with the laboratory itself are essential.

Images and video: what does the stone look like?

Photographs show colour, lustre and visible features. They are always taken under particular lighting and do not replace looking at the stone. A good dossier therefore states the lighting conditions.

Provenance and custody: where has the stone been?

Provenance describes the documented history; the chain of custody shows who controlled the stone and when. Gaps are not automatically a problem, but they should be stated openly.

A sensible reading order

• Compare identity and weight with the report
• Verify the report number with the laboratory
• Read the treatment statement and its exact wording
• View the images together with the lighting information
• Check provenance and the place of custody

In brief

A dossier is reliable when stone, laboratory report and digital record agree. Check identity and weight first, then the authenticity of the report, then treatment, images and custody. Every discrepancy deserves an explanation before you make a decision.

At NOBILITH

Every stone on NOBILITH has a dossier built from these components. The laboratory report, dimensions and place of custody are linked; if the place of custody or the owner changes, this is recorded in the dossier. This keeps it traceable that the stone in the vault is the same stone described in the report.