Diamond Certification
When choosing a diamond, you should ensure each diamond you are considering has a certificate issued by a trusted laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This lab report typically describes various features of the diamond, such as color, clarity, length, and width. They make use of professional tools, such as a loupe or microscope, to scrutinize, study, assess, measure, and record the features of the diamond.
An independent certification (i.e., certification is done by a body distinct from both the buyer and the seller) is issued to you as an assurance that you’re getting a quality diamond that has been accurately graded without bias.
Diamond grading systems are not the same everywhere. The methods, systems, and nomenclature style may differ across various organizations.
Apart from GIA, there are other laboratories. For example, American Gem Society (AGS), the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the Hoge Raad voor Diamont (HRD). The GIA, however, is about the most trusted and respected diamond grading organization in the world.
A typical GIA issued certificate will contain the following: The 4Cs, a plotted diagram and detailed mapping of the stone’s proportions.
Why is Certification Necessary?
A good diamond certification is so valuable that it is sometimes regarded as the 5th “C”. A certificate from the right authorities will help authenticate the quality of your diamond. Certification also helps to prove ownership for repair or insurance purposes. Also, a certificate comes in handy if you decide to resell the diamond. It provides quality assurance to a potential buyer.
Diamond Appraisal
A diamond certificate is different from a diamond appraisal but is sometimes used interchangeably. Some retailers might try to use a diamond appraisal instead of a diamond certificate. However, they are not the same. A diamond appraisal is a document that is used to attach a monetary value on a diamond, or on an entire piece of jewelry. It is often used to work out how much should be paid for the stone’s insurance.
A diamond certificate, however, does not value the stone in terms of monetary worth. The diamond certificate typically documents all of the key qualities and characteristics of the diamond but does not indicate the price.
Details of Certification
The GIA is a not for profit organization, and so has no financial stake in the sale of the diamond. They professionally and expertly provide valuing services for diamond dealers on a variety of features and elements, including the diamond’s evaluation date, measurements (in millimeters), cutting style, and diamond shape. The carat weight, culet size, and polish grade are also considered.
Also included in a diamond certification are girdle thickness, cut grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Poor), color grade (ranging from D to J), clarity grade (IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2), diamond plot showing all blemishes and inclusions, etc. Another important part of the diamond certification is the “Security features and General comments”.
GIA has a reputation for subjecting diamonds to the most rigorous grading processes. Therefore, they are highly recommended. AGS is also an institution that is highly recommended.
Diamond certification is a very important factor to consider when buying a diamond. An independent certificate gives you confidence and peace of mind, knowing that your diamond is equivalent to the value and quality that is claimed.