Diamond Certificates
Most people know that choosing a diamond can involve more than a gut check and a swoon at the local jeweller. Diamonds are big, big business, and they also represent some of the most flawless natural mineral formations in the world.
As a result, an entire industry has arisen to evaluate, grade, analyze and price diamonds of every sort, the better to ensure each customer and collector knows exactly what they are getting. If you have come to Sparkle.ie in search of a quick primer on diamond certification, you can find the answers you need below.
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G.I.A. Diamond Certification Process
The GIA Diamond Grading Report includes an assessment of a diamond’s 4C’s – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight – along with a plotted diagram of its clarity characteristics and a graphic representation of the diamond’s proportions. For standard round brilliant cut diamonds falling in the D-Z color range, the report also includes a GIA Cut grade.
The GIA Laboratory issues diamond grading reports for loose, natural diamonds in the D-Z color range that weigh 0.15 carats or more. GIA Diamond Grading Reports are not issued for synthetics, simulants, mounted diamonds or those that have undergone unstable treatments, such as fracture filling or coating. And while reports may be issued for diamonds that have been laser drilled or HPHT processed, these stable treatments are prominently disclosed on the report.
GIA is the world's oldest, largest, and one of the most respected independent laboratories. Unlike some other labs, GIA is not owned or partially owned by diamond wholesalers or retailers, and is a non-profit organization. GIA actually developed the "4 C's" diamond grading system to provide truly objective standards in the evaluation of a diamond.
A laboratory certification is not an appraisal. An appraisal seeks to establish the value of an item, mainly for insurance purposes. A diamond certificate does not evaluate a diamond's market value, only its characteristics and quality. That said, diamond certification from a reputable laboratory is invaluable in generating an accurate appraisal.
E.G.L. Diamond Certification Process
Although the certification process is long and involved, most people zero in on the four C's on that certificate when making a final determination: carat weight, cut, colour and clarity. Much mystery still remains about how such factors are determined, however, which is why it is important to get the full story about the certification process before you buy.
Different laboratories employ different techniques, for instance – some rely almost exclusively on subjective gemologists, while others use the very latest technologies. It may not surprise you to learn that you will get more consistency from more advanced evaluation techniques.
EGL is one of the leading grading laboratories in the world. Their services are generally considered beyond reproach, meaning a certificate issued by this lab will carry value the world over. A number of factors make this lab different, but chief among their advantages are speedy turnaround time, incisive standardized grading technologies, and some of the best shipping and safety protocols in the industry.
The upshot for consumers is that you may be able to save a good amount of money by purchasing from a company that works with a laboratory like EGL, as you can cut the overhead associated with dealers who use pricier, slower options.
There is no substitute for good information when it comes to making a purchase that will last for generations. Often a little homework and a few good questions are all you need to set your mind at ease, freeing you to focus on what is truly important in the buying process: what moves you. Look for vendors who partner with respected diamond certification labs and you can relax and take comfort in the knowledge that the values you see are real – and the beauty they represent will last a lifetime.