* Gemological lab
Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF: reports, scope, and how to verify a certificate
Together with Gübelin and AGL, one of the 'big three' colored-stone labs. Particularly authoritative on pearls and origin determination.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Full name
- Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF
- Headquarters
- Basel
- Country
- Switzerland
- Founded
- 1972
- Status
- Active
- Scope
- colored stone identification, origin determination, pearl identification, treatment detection
What they're known for
Together with Gübelin and AGL, one of the 'big three' colored-stone labs. Particularly authoritative on pearls and origin determination.
Report types
- SSEF Test Report
- SSEF Pearl Report
Each of these describes and grades a stone — its measured properties, quality, and any detected treatments. Note that a grading report is not an appraisal: most labs document what the stone is, not what it is worth in dollars.
How to verify a report
To confirm a SSEF report is genuine, check the report number against SSEF's official online verification and make sure every detail on the printed document matches the database record. If the stone carries a laser inscription on its girdle, confirm it reads the same report number under magnification. Be wary of photocopied, scanned, or altered certificates — always trust the lab's own lookup over a piece of paper.
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is a SSEF report an appraisal?
- A. No. A SSEF report grades and identifies a stone — color, clarity, cut, weight, and any treatments — but it does not state a dollar value. For an insurance or resale figure you still need a separate appraisal that prices the stone against the current market.
- Q. What does SSEF grade?
- A. Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF covers colored stone identification, origin determination, pearl identification, treatment detection. Each report documents the stone's measured properties so two parties can describe the same item in the same language.
- Q. How do I check a SSEF report is real?
- A. Enter the report number into SSEF's official online verification at https://www.ssef.ch/ and confirm every detail matches the printed certificate. Check that any laser inscription on the diamond's girdle matches the report number, and be wary of photocopied or altered documents.
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