"To tell the truth there is no fraud or deceit in the world which yields greater gain and profit than that of counterfeiting gems."
Pliny [23–79 AD],

Keeping abreast of gemological developments, even for those who have chosen to make gemology their profession, is challenging. Apart from the accurate identification of all gemstone species and varieties, from the relatively common to the extraordinarily rare, and even with the ever presence of synthetic equivalents; today it is the identification of treatments being applied to gemstones that present the greatest challenges.

All of the popular gemstones and pearls have treatment identification challenges; examples include the HPHT treatment of diamond both to remove and add color; the filling of fractures (in diamond, ruby, emerald, tourmaline etc.) with glass, resins or oils to hide the fractures and improve clarity; the irradiation of various gems (topaz, diamond, tourmaline, cultured pearls, etc) to change their color; the coating of gems (topaz, diamond, pearl etc) to add color, effects or improve durability; the heating of gemstones (aquamarine, tourmaline, ruby, sapphire, spinel etc) to improve color and/or clarity; and the diffusion of foreign elements into stones (ruby and sapphire) to change color.

These and other treatment challenges emphasize the need for well equipped and professionally staffed laboratories such as the GIA Laboratory, Bangkok. Only through their professionalism and independence can all involved in the purchase and sale of gemstones function with confidence allowing the final consumer to focus without concern on the joys associated with the possession of rare and beautiful gemstones.

In conjunction with the GIA Laboratories in New York and California, the GIA Laboratory in Thailand undertakes a considerable number of research projects throughout the year while at the same time providing the following Report and Consultancy Services to assist all those involved in the sale and purchase of gemstones and pearls: