The Underwoods Gem Lab
For more than six decades, every gemstone that enters Underwoods has been examined by credentialed gemologists before it reaches a client or becomes part of a custom creation. Since receiving Accredited Gem Lab® status from the American Gem Society in 1961, Underwoods has maintained an uncompromising standard: every stone is examined, verified, and held to the same exacting standards of quality and integrity.
Our Accreditation
In 1961, Underwoods became the first jeweler in Arkansas to receive Accredited Gem Lab® designation. This distinction is granted by the American Gem Society to jewelers who meet its most stringent requirements: a Certified Gemologist must be on staff at all times, and the lab must maintain state-of-the-art gemological testing equipment. Today, fewer than 300 Accredited Gem Labs exist in all of North America.
Our Gemologists
The Underwoods team includes credentialed gemologists from the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America, bringing decades of combined experience in gemstone identification, evaluation, and appraisal.
Our team is composed of multiple Certified Gemologist Appraisers® representing the highest gemological credentials in the industry. To become a CGA requires extensive education, hands-on experience, and ongoing professional development. These credentials are maintained through continuing education and annual recertification.
This depth of expertise allows every gemstone to be evaluated by professionals who understand not only what a stone is, but what makes it exceptional.
Craig Underwood, CGA
Graduate Gemologist
Certified Gemologist, 1988
Certified Gemologist Appraiser, 1992
Troy Underwood, CGA
Graduate Gemologist, 2019
Registered Jeweler, 2021
Certified Gemologist, 2022
Certified Gemologist Appraiser, 2022
Tiffany Sisson, G.G.
Graduate Gemologist, 2021
Registered Jeweler, 2025
Certified Gemologist, 2026
Julie Garton, CGA
Registered Jeweler, 2001
Graduate Gemologist, 2002
Certified Gemologist, 2002
Certified Gemologist Appraiser, 2003
Your Stone
Before a setting is designed, the stone selected for your creation has already been examined and verified by our gemologists. Diamonds are evaluated beyond their GIA lab report to ensure they meet our standards for beauty and quality, while colored gemstones are examined for treatments and characteristics that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. The result is greater confidence in the stone at the heart of your creation.
From the first examination in our Gem Lab to the finished piece created in our design studio, every step is guided by the same standard: exceptional materials, knowledgeable craftsmanship, and uncompromising attention to detail.
A Standard You Can Trust
Underwoods has maintained its Accredited Gem Lab® status since 1961. More than a credential, it represents a commitment to knowing exactly what we are putting into your hands.
That same confidence extends beyond the moment of purchase. Underwoods offers a Lifetime Guarantee of Investment on qualifying diamond purchases, allowing you to trade your diamond toward a future purchase as your needs and tastes evolve. We are able to offer this guarantee because we stand behind the quality and long-term value of the diamonds we select, meeting standards we are willing to stand behind for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the lab test for?
What does the lab test for?
Our lab tests for gemstone treatments, including synthetic origin, heat treatment, fracture filling, irradiation, surface coating, and dyeing. These treatments are common and are not always disclosed by sellers. Our lab detects them before any stone goes into the store.
What does the lab grade for?
What does the lab grade for?
Diamonds that have a grading report only show a small glimpse into the beauty of the diamond. Diamonds are checked by multiple certified gemologists to ensure that each diamond meets a strict quality control.
Can you appraise jewelry I already own?
Can you appraise jewelry I already own?
It depends. If it is a piece you have purchased from Underwoods, we can provide an updated
What is the Beauty Grade Machine?
What is the Beauty Grade Machine?
Underwoods holds a U.S. Patent on the Beauty Grade Machine, a proprietary technology developed after a worldwide search confirmed no similar technology existed. It allows our gemologists to evaluate the light performance of a diamond with a level of precision beyond standard grading.
Do your diamonds come with a Grading Report?
Do your diamonds come with a Grading Report?
Yes. Our diamonds are graded and documented. We recommend certified diamonds and can walk you through how to read a diamond certificate and what to look for. Our staff is available to answer any questions during your visit.
