Technological Expertise

Technology and technicians are an important part of EGL USA's capabilities. Our gemologists are highly educated and experienced professionals.

EGL USA's gemological team includes professionals from many different fields, including geology, mineralogy, chemical engineering, education, and mining.  Few laboratories can boast of such a diverse mix of talent; it's just another important EGL USA difference.

In 2003 the JCK Jewelry Industry Fund awarded EGL USA a significant research grant for its ongoing work in the identification of natural and synthetic diamonds modified by high pressure high temperature treatments.  

Tools of Gem Identification:
Gem technology has advanced significantly over the last few years. The jewelry industry is now faced with an array of new gemstone enhancements and treatments, some of which are identifiable only with advanced gemological equipment.

EGL USA continues to meet the challenges of gem identification by maintaining a truly state-of-the-art gem laboratory. Some of the tools in our laboratories include:

• Zoom binocular microscopes and other basic gem-identification instruments such as refractometers, polariscopes, and spectroscopes.
• Dimension machines for diamond proportion analysis.
• A MacBeth color analysis machine and numerous lighting units for the grading of diamonds.
• The most advanced and safest laser-inscription machine available.
• An FTIR Infrared Spectrometer
• Spectrophotometers (important for the detection of treated gemstones)
• Digital Pearl X-ray. EGL is one of only three labs in the U.S. that offers X-ray analysis of pearls.