Evidence Policy
Evidence status belongs to the claim, not to an institution's reputation.
Evidence states
- Confirmed
- Best current explanation
- Hypothesis
- Time-sensitive
- Source-attributed claim
- Disputed / unconfirmed
Hierarchy depends on the question
Primary science, gemological research, standards, regulatory documents, archives, technical literature, and market sources have different roles. A hierarchy is not automatic proof; source scope determines what the source can support.
Special contexts
A laboratory report is not automatically a valuation, proof of ownership, or a price guarantee. Market claims must distinguish retail, wholesale, auction realization, appraisal, buyback, resale, and replacement value. History, tradition, and legend must not be merged.