Commonwealth Gemological Laboratory is the fully accredited gem lab operated by David Nygaard Fine Jewelers. It is accredited by both the American Gem Society as part of the Certified Gemologist Appraiser title requirements, and the American Society of Appraisers for the Master Gemologist Appraiser title. Commonwealth Gemological Laboratory is the only dually accredited gem lab in Virginia.

Training in gemology alone is not enough to render an accurate opinion. A gemologist must have the tools of an accredited gem lab at his or her disposal in order to properly evaluate diamonds and gemstones. In our Gem lab we have cutting edge technology to examine and choose your diamond. The Brilliance Scope, Fire Scope, Proportion scope, and AGS assessment tool will allow you to thoroughly evaluate the symmetry, precision and brilliance of cut. Additionally, we have a master set of diamonds graded for color and a binocular microscope to evaluate both color and clarity of any diamond in the store. As a Master Gemologist Appraiser, David Nygaard must maintain the lab and also have his color vision tested every five years, to ensure that he can accurately grade your diamond.

There are many different titles in the industry. David Nygaard is the highest credentialed gemologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. A gemologist is trained in the evaluation and grading of gemstones and diamonds. A gemologist is not qualified to render an opinion as to value. Only someone trained in valuation science can render an opinion with confidence. While there are many graduate gemologists residing in the Hampton Roads area, there are only a handful of individuals trained in valuation science and appraising.