How the Gem Identity Number Works
Every CGI-registered gemstone receives a unique GIN — a structured identifier that makes provenance, certification, and treatment history instantly accessible and permanently verifiable.
Anatomy
Anatomy of a GIN
A Gem Identity Number is not a random string. Each segment carries meaning — encoding origin, species, and registration data into a human-readable format.
Example Gem Identity Number
CGI-LK-BS-2024-00142
A 4.72ct unheated blue sapphire from Ratnapura, certified by GRS
Identifies the record as part of the Ceylon Gem Identity system.
ISO country code confirming Sri Lankan origin. Establishes the regulatory framework under which the stone was mined and exported.
Two-letter code identifying the gem species — Blue Sapphire (BS), Padparadscha (PS), Ruby (RB), Alexandrite (AX), Star Sapphire (SS), and others.
The year the gemstone was registered in the CGI system — establishing a temporal anchor for provenance documentation.
A unique sequential identifier within the species and year — ensuring no two GINs are ever duplicated.
Data Model
What a GIN Links To
A GIN is not just an identifier — it is a key to a comprehensive data record. Each number connects to four categories of information that together form the gemstone's complete digital identity.
Identity
- Gem Identity Number (GIN)
- Species & variety
- Carat weight
- Dimensions (mm)
- Shape & cut
Provenance
- Country of origin
- Mining region
- Mining method
- Date of acquisition
- Chain of custody summary
Certification
- Laboratory name(s)
- Certificate number(s)
- Origin determination
- Species confirmation
- Date of certification
Treatment
- Treatment status
- Treatment type (if any)
- Disclosure statement
- Laboratory confirmation
- Pre/post treatment notes
Process
From Mine to Market
How a gemstone acquires its digital identity — from the moment it leaves the earth to its permanent record in the CGI system.
Mining & Acquisition
Stone is sourced from a Sri Lankan mine. Mining region, method, and date are documented at the point of acquisition.
Initial Assessment
Gemstone undergoes preliminary evaluation — species identification, weight, dimensions, and visual quality assessment.
Laboratory Certification
Stone is submitted to an independent laboratory (GIA, GRS, or equivalent) for formal certification, origin determination, and treatment analysis.
GIN Registration
A unique Gem Identity Number is assigned. All documentation — provenance, certification, imagery — is linked to this identifier.
CGI Passport Creation
The complete digital identity record is compiled into a CGI Passport — a single document that travels with the stone digitally.
Verification Activation
The GIN becomes active in the verification portal. Buyers, jewellers, and laboratories can look up the stone and access its complete record.
Ongoing Record
As the stone changes hands, new certifications are added, or ownership transfers occur, the CGI record is updated — creating a living provenance document.
Principles
Design Principles
Human-Readable
GINs are designed to be understood by people, not just machines. A jeweller can read the origin, species, and year from the number itself.
Permanently Unique
No two gemstones will ever share a GIN. Once assigned, the number belongs to that stone for its entire existence.
Non-Transferable
A GIN cannot be moved from one stone to another. If a stone is re-cut or significantly altered, a new GIN is issued with a reference to the original.
Extensible
The GIN structure is designed to accommodate future gem species, additional origin countries, and evolving certification standards.
One number. One stone. One truth.
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