Premiums

Where age can be scientifically demonstrated through radiocarbon dating, specimens may carry an added research and collector premium. Verified age, documented find location, and chain-of-custody records increase confidence for museums, investors, and serious buyers. As the market matures, authenticated data-backed specimens are likely to outperform unverified material.

The Kauri Gum Research & Databank is building New Zealand’s leading public platform for kauri gum research, preservation, registration, and scientific analysis. Our mission is to bring structure, credibility, and modern data standards to one of Aotearoa’s most historic natural resources. We coordinate bulk carbon dating programs for collectors, landowners, researchers, museums, and the public making professional age testing more accessible by pooling multiple samples into cost-effective group submissions. All submitted specimens are securely catalogued and stored in our regulated data rooms under controlled conditions until enough participants are assembled for the next testing round. Each sample is logged, tracked, and preserved with provenance records to maintain chain-of-custody and research integrity. Whether your interest is history, science, value, or discovery, the Kauri Gum Research & Databank is creating the trusted future archive for kauri

Every registered piece begins with a detailed assessment process designed to verify authenticity and preserve its story.

Our team examines each specimen for key indicators of genuine ancient kauri gum, including:

• Structure
• Density
• Surface Characteristics
• Natural Ageing Patterns

We analyse internal inclusions such as:

• Plant Matter
• Air Pockets
• Mineral Traces

These features that act as a natural fingerprint of origin and age. Each piece is carefully documented through high-resolution photography, capturing its unique form, clarity, and character for permanent record within the databank.

For clients seeking deeper verification, we offer advanced services including

• Carbon Dating
• Grading
• Formal Valuation

These services provide scientific and market-backed insight into the age and significance of your specimen, transforming it from an interesting object into a verified artefact. Every tested piece can be issued:

• Digital Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
• Unique GumBank ID
• Permanent, traceable profile