Gem Identification and Grading Service for the Trade

Independent jewellers, dealers, pawn shops, auction houses and online sellers who do not have their own gemmologist.

A fee per stone or per batch, with rush options and monthly arrangements for regular trade customers.

• Advanced stone identification and grading
• Using lab instruments confidently
• Reliable turnaround and record keeping

• Insurance that covers client stones while they are in your care and in transit, so check this with a broker
• Courier terms and declared-value limits for valuable parcels
• Check your province's rules for secondhand dealers and customs rules if you receive stones from outside Canada
• Be clear in reports about what you can and cannot determine, for example origin or treatment that needs a major lab
• Building trust with the trade takes time, so expect early revenue to be slow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $20,000, depending on the instruments and bench setup you choose and how much you invest in training. Get quotes for equipment before you commit to a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many jewellers and dealers send you work. Building trust with the trade takes time, so early revenue may be slow.

Check insurance that covers client stones in your care and in transit, plus courier terms and declared-value limits. Also check your province's rules for secondhand dealers and customs rules if stones arrive from outside Canada.