Early in the 1960's the American Gem Society began requiring members who had received the title of Certified Gemologist to work for companies which had an Accredited Gemological Laboratory on their premises. The purpose of the Lab was to allow the company to do onsite identification, testing and grading of diamonds and precious stones. The development of new technologies had permitted the creation of a variety of synthetic stones and the artificial treatment of others. Without the ability to identify and categorize by grade the plethora of stones available on and new stones entering the market, both the jeweler and consumers were in danger of purchasing synthetic, treated or improperly graded gems. The Lab was equipped with an array of sensitive and often complex instruments. Because of the considerable expense involved in acquiring these instruments, several years were allowed for purchasing. Jolly's was among the first companies to receive accreditation, doing so on January 22, 1968. At that time the operation of the Jolly's Accredited Lab was the responsibility of Curtis W. Lewis, CG. He was joined in 1969 by Susan Jolly Ragsdale, who was the second female to earn the title of Certified Gemologist, and Frank Jolly Ragsdale, CG. In those days, very few jewelry companies owned sophisticated testing equipment and employed people with the gemological training to use it. Forty years later, little has changed.



Today, from diamonds to Moissanite to a broad range of colored gemstones, the jewelry market is flooded with treated and synthetic stones. Companies which systematically verify the identity of and check for artificial treatments in stones they receive from vendors are a rarity. It's as if most companies don't want to know the nature and level of treatment of the stones they inventory. Price is the driving force. At Jolly's, the instruments in our Lab are in use every day. The degree of importance we place on knowing what we select for our use is identical to that which we place on what you buy. We consider it our duty to do all in our power to secure for our customers the articles for which they pay. Our Accredited Gemological Laboratory and the Certified Gemologists who oversee its operation are the principle assets we use in the performance of that duty.

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