How to Read a Gem Laboratory Report
A field guide to identity, measurements, treatment language, origin opinions, and the questions a report does not answer.
Begin with the report number and issuing laboratory, then match the stated measurements and identifying details to the object. A report is only useful when it belongs to the stone in hand.
Read identity, treatment, and origin as separate conclusions. Geographic origin is usually an expert opinion based on multiple datasets, while treatment wording may carry important qualifiers.
A report does not automatically establish value, ownership history, condition, or quality of cutting. Those require different forms of examination and documentation.