Gem Report - Imperial Appraisal Center

The Imperial Appraisal Center (known in Japan as Teikoku Houseki Kansetsusho) is a venerable institution within the Japanese gemstone industry. While it is a private laboratory, its name—"Imperial" (Teikoku)—reflects the era of its founding, when the term was used to signify the highest possible standard of national prestige and reliability.

History and Foundation

• The Post-War Jewelry Boom: Established during the mid-20th century, the Imperial Appraisal Center rose to prominence during Japan’s economic "bubble" era. This was a period when Japan became one of the world’s largest importers of high-end gemstones, and there was an urgent need for an authoritative body to verify the quality of these massive inflows of wealth.

• A "Legacy" Authority: Along with the Central Gem Laboratory (CGL), the Imperial Appraisal Center helped establish the rigid Japanese grading protocols that exist today. It was the preferred laboratory for many of Japan’s most historic and prestigious "Department Store" jewelry salons, such as Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya, during the 1970s and 80s.

Specializations and Reputation

• Conservative Colored Stone Grading: The lab built its reputation on the identification and grading of "The Big Three": Rubies, Sapphires, and Emeralds. Collectors often seek out Imperial certificates for vintage pieces because the lab was famously conservative; a "Pigeon Blood" or "Royal Blue" designation from Imperial was—and remains—extremely hard to earn.

• Jadeite and Pearls: Given the cultural importance of Jadeite (Hisui) and pearls in Japan, the Imperial Appraisal Center became a leading expert in identifying natural versus treated jade, ensuring that the "Imperial Green" stones sold in Japan met the highest purity standards.