Harold Weinstein Ltd, Toronto, ON

HWL, Canada's most experienced independent gemmological laboratory, was founded in 1977 to serve the jewellery trade, the jewellery buying public, the legal profession, the insurance industry, banks and government agencies. We enjoy an international reputation for gemmological expertise, careful, fair, reliable grading, and accurate assessments. This reputation was built on uncompromising adherence to ethical standards. Our reputation is our business. HWL is a company of associates, who are experienced, trained and professional appraisers of fine jewellery and gemstones. These associates are gemmologists certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), or the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (FGA), and the Canadian Gemmological Association (FCGmA). Members of the Canadian Jewellers Association, we are also Accredited Appraisers of the Canadian Jewellers Institute. Harold Weinstein Ltd. is one of the few laboratories in the world to be honoured by the American Gem Society with membership as Independent Certified Gemologist Appraisers and the designation of "Accredited Gemological Laboratory". The American Gem Society (the AGS) is a North American association of professional, ethical jewellers and suppliers of jewellery who must re-win their membership title annually by taking a test to demonstrate up-to-date knowledge of gemmological issues. Although Harold is no longer with us he remains the guiding force of our company. Harold was a jeweller for over 50 years, first as a retailer then as a gemmologist. In all that time his love for jewellery and the Canadian industry was always his main concern. This caring for the industry and for jewellery as a whole reflects in HWL and what we stand for. His guidance and ethics are our foundation. We are building on what he began with the sure knowledge that his name will have the same credibility in years to come that it has always enjoyed.