Grading

Thai Lab AIGS Warns Trade About Fake Gemstone Reports

GradingJul 24, 2018

Thai Lab AIGS Warns Trade About Fake Gemstone Reports

They look identical to genuine AIGS reports but have working QR codes that take users to a different website.

20180724_AIGS-fake-report.jpg
Bangkok-based laboratory AIGS provided this snapshot of one of the fake gemstone grading reports that are currently circulating.

Bangkok—The Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences recently issued a warning to the international trade that there are fake gemstone reports bearing the AIGS logo circulating in the market.

The AIGS is based in the Jewelry Trade Centre in Bangkok and issues hundreds of gemstone reports every day.

Chairman Kennedy Ho told National Jeweler the lab became aware of the issue when a client who was trying to verify a report on its website contacted them.

When the report didn’t come up on the site, the client sent the lab a picture of the report and AIGS discovered it was a fake.

The lab said the fake reports have working QR codes but, when scanned, they take users to AIGSThailand.co, instead of the correct website, AIGSThailand.com.


Pictured at left is a screenshot taken after scanning the QR code on a fake AIGS report; at right is a screenshot taken after scanning the QR code on a genuine AIGS gemstone report. Notice the difference in URLs at the top; the fake reports are directing users to AIGSThailand.co instead of AIGSThailand.com.
Ho said the only way the trade can be sure a report is genuinely from AIGS is to check the lab’s website or to enquire via email, with a photo of the report attached, to info@aigsthailand.com.

He added the AIGS will be taking legal action “to the highest extent of the law” against the perpetrators and those who use the fake reports with the intent to mislead others.

He told National Jeweler they don’t yet know who is behind the fake reports, only that the fraudulent website was registered in April.

Ho also said they don’t know how many of these fake reports are on the market, but given the professional nature of the fraud, they “do not think these crooks went to all this trouble to make just one report.”


Seen here is a genuine report from AIGS

Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

3 natural diamond engagement rings by Marrow Fine, Stephanie Gottlieb, Single Stone, and Sylvie Jewelry
TrendsFeb 12, 2025
5 Engagement Ring Trends Expected to Rule 2025

From chunky bands to vintage diamond cuts and bezel settings, these are the trends experts are seeing take over the bridal market.

Jean Prounis cushion-cut diamond engagement ring
EditorsFeb 12, 2025
Q&A: Marion Fasel on the History of Diamond Engagement Rings

Fasel discusses researching her new book, the most enduring engagement ring styles, and the diamond shape Taylor Swift will pick.

De Beers Jewellers Embrace Bracelet
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
De Beers Jewellers’ New High Jewelry Pays Homage to the Beauty of Trees

The “Essence of Nature, Chapter One” collection echoes trees and roots, literally and figuratively, through three sets of high jewelry.

Top Image.png
Brought to you by
3 Ways to Capitalize on America’s Newfound Love of Colored Gems

Colored stones are stepping into a jewelry spotlight typically reserved for diamonds—are you ready to sell color?

Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK) diamonds
SourcingFeb 12, 2025
SRK Announces Notable Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Late last year, the India-based diamond manufacturer recorded emissions per carat that are 34 percent lower than the industry average.

Weekly QuizFeb 06, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Peter Smith
ColumnistsFeb 12, 2025
Peter Smith: 9 Store Manager Archetypes

Smith details the types of store managers he’s encountered, with the goal of helping retailers find a person who’s a fit for their store.

myGemma showroom
TechnologyFeb 12, 2025
MyGemma Now Offers Consignment Service

The secondhand reseller stocks pre-owned designer jewelry and watches, along with other luxury goods.

Resolutions - 2025.jpg
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers

The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.

 Ghirardelli Chocolocket
CollectionsFeb 12, 2025
Ghirardelli Is Slipping Chocolate Into a Locket This Valentine's Day

The limited-edition “Chocolocket” fits a mini square of Ghirardelli chocolate inside.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 graphic
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The program has been expanded to include a “20 Under 40” list for jewelry suppliers and is accepting nominations through Feb. 19.

Police cars with lights on
CrimeFeb 11, 2025
2 Men Charged With Selling Stolen Jewelry, Watches in NYC Diamond District

One of the men is said to be connected to the South American crew charged with burglarizing Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow’s home.

Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti watch
WatchesFeb 11, 2025
Bulgari, MB&F Launch Reimagined ‘Serpenti’ Watch

The brands immersed one of Bulgari’s most famous historical icons in MB&F’s ultra-mechanical universe of haute horlogerie.

Boucheron Power of Couture campaign
FinancialsFeb 11, 2025
Boucheron a Bright Spot as Kering’s Full-Year Sales Sink 12%

The luxury titan’s full-year performance was weighed down by struggling sales at its star brand Gucci.

Midas Chain Diamond and Gemstone Jewelry
MajorsFeb 11, 2025
Midas Chain Releases First Diamond Collection

The jewelry manufacturer has launched more than 100 pieces made with natural diamonds.

Tacori Stilla ring
SurveysFeb 10, 2025
Jewelry Resilient in 2024 Even As Luxury Sales Slipped, Says Bain & Co.

Bain & Co.’s latest report on the luxury market examines why the market’s customer base is shrinking and how to appeal to consumers in 2025.

Counterfeit Cartier “Juste Un Clou” bracelet
CrimeFeb 10, 2025
Counterfeit Jewelry Kept Kentucky Customs Agents Busy in January, CBP Says

Officers in Louisville seized 28 shipments of fake jewelry and watches that would have been worth more than $27 million if genuine.

Hearts On Fire Inside Out Collection Bracelets
CollectionsFeb 10, 2025
Hearts on Fire Flips Jewelry ‘Inside Out’ in New Collection

The collection centers on the art of tailoring, inspired by designs that feature folded fabrics, such as a tuxedo lapel.

JW Marriott Hotel in Nashville Tennessee
Events & AwardsFeb 10, 2025
Select Jewelry Show Heads to Nashville

The trade show has added a new location to its fall line-up.

Jade Trau Ladybird Charm
CollectionsFeb 07, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jade Trau’s ‘Ladybird’ Charm

From the brand’s latest collection of lucky charms, the ladybird is seen as a bearer of good fortune and a ward against negative energy.

Rough diamonds from De Beers’ Gahcho Kue diamond mine in Canada
SourcingFeb 07, 2025
De Beers’ Production Guidance Slashed, Anglo Anticipates Another Writedown

The moves come amid a prolonged period of lower demand for diamonds, particularly in China.

Stuller Bench Jeweler Workshop
Events & AwardsFeb 07, 2025
Registration Opens for Stuller’s Bench Jeweler Workshop

The workshop returns in March, along with the “Battle of the Benches” mini challenge series.

Windsor Jewelry in Indianapolis, Indiana
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
106-Year-Old Jewelry Store Saved by New Owners

Two attorneys purchased Windsor Jewelry, which was set to close, and will retain all existing staff at the downtown Indianapolis store.

Two images of Adam Heyman in Sri Lanka
MajorsFeb 06, 2025
Oscar Heyman Employee Celebrates 60 Years With the Company

Adam Heyman joined the family business in 1965, just weeks after graduating from Columbia Business School.

Hamilton Jewelers Worth Avenue interior
IndependentsFeb 06, 2025
Hamilton Jewelers Revamps Palm Beach Boutique

The fourth-generation, family-owned jeweler has given its Worth Avenue store a new look.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeFeb 05, 2025
‘The Timepiece Gentleman’ Sentenced to 5-Plus Years Behind Bars

Luxury watch dealer Anthony Farrer pleaded guilty late last year to defrauding clients in a scheme with Ponzi-type elements.

Pandora sparkling bow necklace
FinancialsFeb 05, 2025
Pandora Posts Double-Digit Growth After Strong Holiday Season

In its full-year results, the retailer shared its 2025 outlook and an update on the global rollout of its lab-grown diamond collection.

Seal & Scribe “Freedom Moon” Ring
TrendsFeb 05, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Feeling Fabulous in February

Celebrate February birthstones and the gem shows in Arizona this month with a versatile stone like amethyst.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy