Complete Pearl Examination
& Certification Services
Every service is delivered under the same standards of scientific rigor, objectivity and confidentiality. No service is treated as secondary — whether you require a single authentication or a comprehensive collection assessment.
Pearl Authentication
The cornerstone of our laboratory services. Pearl authentication is the process of definitively identifying whether a pearl is natural or cultured, documenting its distinguishing characteristics and providing evidence-based conclusions.
Key Benefits
- Definitive natural vs. cultured identification
- Detailed microscopic examination
- X-ray imaging for internal structure analysis
- Clear, documented conclusions for insurance and resale
- Suitable for legal and estate purposes
Examination Process
- 1Initial visual assessment and documentation
- 2High-magnification microscopic examination
- 3X-ray radiography to identify nucleation
- 4Spectroscopic analysis as required
- 5Cross-referencing with established reference data
- 6Compilation of findings and detailed report
What You Receive
- Comprehensive authentication report
- High-resolution imaging of key features
- Detailed characteristic documentation
- Certificate of authentication
Saltwater Pearl Testing
Specialized examination of pearls from marine environments, covering the three primary saltwater varieties. Each type presents unique identification challenges that require specialized knowledge and equipment.
Key Benefits
- Species-level identification
- Origin determination where possible
- Treatment detection (bleaching, dyeing, coating)
- Quality assessment against type-specific criteria
- Market-informed value considerations
Examination Process
- 1Species identification through morphological analysis
- 2Growth structure examination
- 3Treatment detection testing
- 4Colour and lustre evaluation
- 5Dimensional measurement and weight documentation
- 6Comprehensive written report
What You Receive
- Species identification report
- Treatment status documentation
- Quality grading summary
- Authenticated certificate
Freshwater Pearl Testing
Freshwater pearls represent the largest segment of the pearl market and present particular challenges due to the range of cultivation techniques, treatments and enhancements employed.
Key Benefits
- Identification of cultivation method
- Enhancement and treatment detection
- Quality grading per international standards
- Nacre thickness evaluation
- Suitable for bulk assessments
Examination Process
- 1Nucleation method identification
- 2Surface and internal structure analysis
- 3Treatment detection protocol
- 4Systematic quality grading
- 5Weight and measurement documentation
- 6Detailed findings report
What You Receive
- Freshwater pearl identification report
- Treatment status findings
- Quality grading results
- Certification document
Pearl Origin Analysis
Determining the geographic origin of a pearl requires advanced analytical methods and deep reference knowledge. Our origin analysis service provides evidence-based conclusions about where a pearl was likely produced.
Key Benefits
- Evidence-based geographic attribution
- Spectroscopic trace element analysis
- Growth characteristic comparison
- Enhanced provenance documentation
- Supports collector and institutional records
Examination Process
- 1Comprehensive physical examination
- 2Spectroscopic elemental analysis
- 3Growth pattern characterization
- 4Comparison with reference databases
- 5Confidence-level assessment
- 6Origin determination report
What You Receive
- Origin analysis report with confidence level
- Analytical data summary
- Comparative reference notes
- Supporting documentation
Pearl Grading
Our grading service evaluates pearls against internationally recognized criteria, providing a systematic and consistent assessment of size, shape, colour, lustre, surface quality and nacre characteristics.
Key Benefits
- Standardized grading against international criteria
- Individual pearl and strand assessment
- Detailed quality documentation
- Comparable results across examinations
- Supports insurance and resale documentation
Examination Process
- 1Systematic measurement and weighing
- 2Shape classification
- 3Colour assessment under calibrated lighting
- 4Lustre evaluation
- 5Surface quality examination
- 6Nacre thickness assessment
- 7Grade assignment and documentation
What You Receive
- Grading report with individual criteria scores
- Overall grade assignment
- Quality characteristic summary
- Comparative reference data
Pearl Certification
A HIRCO certificate is a formal document that authenticates a pearl's identity, records its assessed characteristics and serves as a permanent reference for insurance, legal and transactional purposes.
Key Benefits
- Recognized and respected across the industry
- Supports insurance documentation
- Facilitates transparent resale transactions
- Serves as legal evidence of authentication
- Permanent archival record
Examination Process
- 1Complete authentication and grading examination
- 2Compilation of all analytical findings
- 3Professional report preparation
- 4Quality review and verification
- 5Certificate issuance with unique identifier
- 6Secure archival of records
What You Receive
- Formal HIRCO authentication certificate
- Unique certificate identification number
- Detailed characteristic documentation
- Secure archival for future verification
Pearl Sealing
Our sealing service provides an additional layer of physical security for authenticated pearls. Each seal carries a unique identifier that links the physical specimen to its HIRCO documentation.
Key Benefits
- Tamper-evident physical security
- Unique identification linked to documentation
- Visible proof of authentication
- Protects integrity during transport or display
- Supports institutional and legal requirements
Examination Process
- 1Authentication examination completion
- 2Seal application with unique identifier
- 3Photographic documentation of sealed specimen
- 4Linkage of seal number to certificate
- 5Secure archival of seal records
What You Receive
- Tamper-evident seal with unique number
- Seal registration documentation
- Photographic record of sealed specimen
- Cross-reference to authentication certificate
Pearl Valuation
Our valuation service provides evidence-based assessments of pearl value, reflecting current market conditions, rarity factors and quality characteristics. These reports are prepared for insurance, legal or estate purposes.
Key Benefits
- Market-informed value assessment
- Rarity and quality factor analysis
- Suitable for insurance documentation
- Supports estate and legal proceedings
- Prepared by qualified gemologist
Examination Process
- 1Complete authentication and grading
- 2Current market analysis
- 3Rarity assessment
- 4Condition evaluation
- 5Comparative value research
- 6Valuation report preparation
What You Receive
- Professional valuation report
- Market analysis summary
- Supporting quality documentation
- Insurance-ready documentation
Consultation
Our consultation service provides expert guidance for collectors, investors and institutions. Whether you are considering an acquisition, planning a collection strategy or require professional advice, our gemologist is available to assist.
Key Benefits
- Access to GIA-certified expertise
- Informed acquisition guidance
- Collection strategy advice
- Authentication priority assessment
- Confidential and independent counsel
Examination Process
- 1Preliminary discussion of requirements
- 2Review of available information or specimens
- 3Expert assessment and recommendations
- 4Detailed guidance documentation
- 5Follow-up support as needed
What You Receive
- Expert consultation session
- Written summary of recommendations
- Priority authentication roadmap
- Ongoing advisory access
Not Sure Which Service You Need?
Our consultation service provides an opportunity to discuss your requirements with a GIA-certified gemologist. We will help you determine the most appropriate course of action for your pearls.