Research

EGL USA is the only independent North American laboratory with a self-funded gemological research department. Through in-house investigations, field sampling, and collaboration with leading scientists from the physics, geological, and mineralogical worlds, our research team has revealed new insights into issues of major concern to the jewelry trade.

EGL USA is one of few labs specializing in diamonds that is doing research, grading and education on high pressure high temperature (HPHT) treated diamonds.  In 1999, when the first HPHT treated diamond entered the commercial market, EGL USA initiated a major research effort to specifically address HPHT detection issues. Its ongoing efforts have led to the development of highly reliable identification procedures and a significant database on HPHT diamonds.

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.  

As new gemological challenges arise, its research team has undertaken studies in other areas, such as:

• The stability of irradiated diamonds
• Treatments of colored stones
• Rough diamond studies
• Cut studies
• Valuation studies of HPHT diamonds
• Synthetic diamonds
• Pearl identification

For more on EGL USA's technical expertise, Click Here