1. Introduction
Transnational Gemmological Laboratory ("TGL") is an independent and professional gemmological laboratory specializing in the inspection, identification, analysis, grading, and certification of diamonds, gemstones, jewellery, and related materials.
These Terms and Conditions govern the services provided by TGL and define the rights, responsibilities, and obligations between TGL and any individual, company, or entity seeking to avail of TGL services ("Client").
By submitting any Item to TGL for testing, grading, certification, analysis, consultation, or any related laboratory service, the Client acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.
2. Definitions
For the purpose of these Terms and Conditions, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:
"Item"
Any diamond, gemstone, gem material, jewellery, moissanite jewellery, laboratory-grown diamond jewellery, or related article submitted by the Client to Transnational Gemmological Laboratory ("TGL") for testing, grading, identification, certification, analysis, or any other laboratory service.
"Service"
The professional expertise and laboratory services provided by TGL, including but not limited to testing, inspection, identification, grading, certification, analysis, verification, parcel testing, and consultation relating to diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, gemstones, jewellery, moissanite jewellery, and related materials.
Metal assessment or purity testing shall only be conducted where the Item has been specifically submitted for metal testing and certification.
"Inspection"
The examination and evaluation process conducted by TGL using professional expertise, gemmological instruments, scientific methods, advanced laboratory technology, and available testing procedures at the time of assessment.
"Grading"
The classification and quality assessment of a natural diamond, laboratory-grown diamond, gemstone, or jewellery Item in accordance with TGL grading standards and accepted gemmological practices.
Colour grading is based on TGL master comparison stones where applicable, while clarity grading is conducted under standard gemmological magnification. Measurements and weights are approximate and may be subject to mounting limitations.
"Identification"
The examination of an Item to determine whether it is natural, laboratory-grown, synthetic, imitation, treated, enhanced, or otherwise modified, based on available gemmological testing methods and laboratory procedures.
"Report"
Any certificate, grading report, laboratory assessment, consultation document, verification report, or professional opinion issued by TGL in connection with the examination of a submitted Item.
3. The Service
Transnational Gemmological Laboratory ("TGL") agrees to provide professional laboratory services subject to these Terms and Conditions and any applicable order form, quotation, invoice, service request, or other mutually agreed documentation.
All Reports and services issued by TGL are provided exclusively at the request of and for the use of the Client.
The Client acknowledges and agrees that gemstone and diamond testing, grading, certification, and identification are not exact sciences. Reports issued by TGL represent the independent professional opinion of TGL based on the Item's condition and the technology available at the time of examination.
Findings, opinions, and conclusions may differ from reports issued by other laboratories or from future examinations due to advancements in technology, changes in gemmological standards, differing testing methods, or subjective interpretation.
TGL generally employs non-destructive testing methods. However, where additional analysis is necessary, minimally destructive testing methods may be used only with the prior consent of the Client.
TGL provides certification services for:
- Natural Diamonds
- Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
- Natural Diamond Jewellery
- Laboratory-Grown Diamond Jewellery
- Gemstones
- Gemstone Jewellery
- Moissanite Jewellery
- Parcel Testing and Detection of Laboratory-Grown Diamonds (CVD/HPHT)
TGL reserves the sole right to refuse testing, grading, certification, or issuance of a Report for any Item based on technical limitations, authenticity concerns, insufficient evidence, disclosure issues, quality concerns, compliance requirements, or any other reason deemed appropriate by TGL.
4. Client Representation of Legitimate Possession
The Client represents, warrants, and undertakes that any Item submitted to TGL is lawfully possessed by the Client.
The Client further confirms that he/she is either the rightful legal owner of the submitted Item or has obtained valid authorization from the lawful owner(s) to submit the Item for examination and certification.
The Client additionally confirms that, to the best of their knowledge and belief, the submitted Item has been acquired from legitimate and reliable sources and has not been traded, possessed, or transferred in violation of any applicable law or regulation.
5. Acknowledgement on Condition of Item
For the purpose of inspection and certification, Items are generally examined as loose stones wherever possible.
Mounted, studded, or set jewellery Items may nevertheless be accepted for examination at the sole discretion of TGL.
Where an Item is mounted or set in jewellery, the scope of examination may be limited by the mounting structure, and certain measurements or observations may not be fully accessible.
The Client acknowledges and accepts that complete inspection, precise measurement, or definitive identification may not always be possible in mounted jewellery.
6. The Report
The results of any inspection, testing, grading, analysis, or identification conducted by TGL shall be documented in a written Report representing the independent professional opinion of TGL.
A TGL Report is intended solely to identify and describe the gemmological characteristics of the submitted Item.
A Report shall not constitute:
- A guarantee
- An appraisal
- A valuation
- An insurance certificate
- A warranty of future value or marketability
Any descriptive references within a Report are intended solely for identification purposes and shall not be interpreted as confirmation of geographic origin, ownership rights, trademark rights, or commercial value unless specifically stated.
Reports may include:
- Nature and type of Item
- Natural or laboratory-grown status
- Treatments or enhancements where identifiable
- Weight and measurements
- Grading observations
- Technical gemmological information
- QR verification details
- Photographs where applicable
Each Report issued by TGL shall carry a unique identification number for verification purposes.
TGL makes no express or implied warranty regarding the future validity, completeness, accuracy, or market acceptance of any Report.
The Client acknowledges that due to ongoing advancements in synthetic manufacturing technologies, gemstone treatment methods, and laboratory-grown diamond production, it may not always be possible to conclusively determine the nature or treatment history of a submitted Item.
7. Validity of Report
A Report issued by TGL shall remain valid only so long as the condition and characteristics of the relevant Item remain unchanged.
A Report shall become invalid if:
- Any unauthorized alteration or modification is made to the Report
- The Item has been modified after examination
- The quality or characteristics of the Item have changed
- False or incomplete information was provided by the Client
- The Client breaches these Terms and Conditions
TGL reserves the sole right to declare any Report invalid whenever circumstances arise that affect the integrity, authenticity, or reliability of the Report or related Item.
8. Delivery and Storage of Item
The Client shall deliver the Item to TGL for examination and shall collect the Item upon completion of the requested service.
If the Client fails to collect the Item within ninety (90) days from completion of the service, TGL shall thereafter be relieved from any responsibility relating to storage or safekeeping of the Item.
Where TGL elects to continue storing the Item beyond such period, TGL reserves the right to impose additional charges for storage, insurance, security, handling, administration, and safekeeping.
9. Disclaimer
The limitations of liability contained herein are fundamental conditions governing the services provided by TGL and shall apply to the Client and any third party relying upon a TGL Report.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the aggregate liability of TGL in connection with any service or Report shall not exceed the fees paid by the Client for the relevant service.
Neither TGL nor any of its directors, employees, officers, consultants, affiliates, or representatives shall be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, commercial, or financial loss arising from:
- Errors or omissions in a Report
- Human error or negligence
- Technical limitations or equipment malfunction
- Delays in testing or issuance of Reports
- Reliance upon the Report by any person
- Changes affecting the quality, value, or marketability of an Item
This exclusion of liability shall not apply in cases of judicially proven fraud, willful misconduct, or gross negligence.
10. Certificate / Report Disclaimer
Any certificate, grading report, laboratory assessment, or consultation issued by TGL represents the professional findings and opinions of TGL based on testing methods and equipment available at the time of examination.
The Client acknowledges that gemstone treatments, synthetic manufacturing methods, and laboratory-grown technologies continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated.
Accordingly, even with advanced gemmological technology, it may not always be possible to conclusively determine whether an Item has been treated, enhanced, synthesized, altered, or modified.
TGL therefore provides no guarantee regarding the absolute detectability of such processes.
Under no circumstances shall TGL or its affiliates be held liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages arising from the issuance or use of any Report.
Any complaint, objection, or claim relating to a Report shall be reviewed solely at the discretion of TGL management.
11. Indemnification
The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TGL, including its directors, employees, representatives, gemmologists, affiliates, and agents, against any claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, or legal costs arising from:
- Breach of these Terms and Conditions
- False declarations or non-disclosure by the Client
- Ownership or possession disputes relating to the Item
- Use of Reports or certifications issued by TGL
12. Insurance
All submitted Items shall remain entirely at the sole risk of the Client.
The Client shall maintain adequate insurance coverage for all Items against theft, loss, transit damage, handling risks, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Such insurance coverage shall remain valid during:
- Transit to TGL
- Custody with TGL
- Return transit to the Client
The Client and its insurer expressly waive all rights of subrogation or recovery against TGL in relation to insured losses.
13. Payment for TGL Services
The Client shall make payment to TGL in accordance with the applicable invoice, quotation, service request, or mutually agreed documentation.
TGL reserves the right to withhold or refuse release of any Item, Report, certificate, or related document until all outstanding dues, fees, taxes, storage charges, or other applicable amounts have been fully settled.
14. Trade Name and Proprietary Rights
All Reports, certificates, grading documents, copyrights, trademarks, logos, service marks, branding materials, and proprietary rights belonging to TGL shall remain the sole and exclusive property of TGL.
No person or entity shall reproduce, modify, distribute, misuse, publish, or commercially exploit any TGL intellectual property without prior written consent from TGL.
Unauthorized use or misrepresentation of TGL Reports or branding materials may result in legal action and cancellation of the relevant Report.
15. Miscellaneous
Any matter not specifically addressed within these Terms and Conditions shall be resolved through mutual consultation between the Client and TGL.
TGL reserves the absolute right to amend, revise, modify, or replace these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice.
Any revised Terms and Conditions shall become effective immediately upon publication on the official TGL website.
TGL shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure arises due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including acts of God, governmental actions, labour disputes, equipment failures, technical interruptions, pandemics, war, or natural disasters.
Failure by TGL to exercise any right or remedy shall not constitute a waiver of such right or remedy.
These Terms and Conditions form an integral part of every agreement, service request, certification engagement, or professional arrangement entered into between TGL and the Client.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws applicable within the jurisdiction where the relevant TGL laboratory or branch providing the service is located.
Any dispute, complaint, or claim relating to a Report or service must be notified to TGL in writing within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of the relevant Report or service.
The parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute amicably and in good faith through mutual discussions.
Failing amicable resolution, any dispute arising between TGL and the Client shall be subject exclusively to the jurisdiction of the competent local courts where the relevant TGL laboratory or branch issuing the Report is situated.
The Client irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.