Diamond certification is done to describe the characteristics, quality and the true value of a crystalline jewel. Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight are the internationally accepted parameters, known as the 4Cs, which determine the price and the uniqueness of a solitaire.
The price of a diamond is highly dependant on its well researched certificate and the certifying company. In order to make a sale or minimize third-party evaluation charges, the sellers would often alter their opinions to hide a flaw in a diamond, which might significantly lower its value.
Diamonds are generally pre-certified by world-renowned organizations, and then sold at retails outlets in form of jewelry. You may also submit your diamond to any prominent institution and ask for a comprehensive grading report. Before you buy this beloved stone, we elaborate some key factors about Diamond Certification which you should keep in mind.
Because every diamond is unique, especially the natural ones, a document assures a prospective customer with confidence to pay the right amount.
There are a few trustworthy institutions in the world to assess the preciousness for a small number of lavish stones found on our planet. Because of the expensiveness of such gems, the grading process takes a lot of expertise and time to judge the real price.
Can any retail outlet rate a diamond? No.
The first and foremost fact you should know is that most of these evaluations are being done by top certification labs like:
- GIA: Gemological Institute of America
- AGS: American Gemological Society
- EGL: European Gemological Laboratory
- IGI: International Gemological Institute
- GII: Gemological Institute of India
Apart from these, below establishments are also gaining worldwide recognition to certify exquisite stones:
- HRD Antwerp certification by The Antwerp World Diamond Center
- GCAL: Gem Certification & Assurance Lab
- GSI: Gemological Science International
Diamond appraisals can also be done by qualified Gemologists or independent diamond valuators, who carry certifying credentials from institutes like GIA.
Make sure that the diamond grading report in your hands is not a counterfeit and issued by one of the above entities. Appraisals done by an unknown company or the local retailer himself is something you should avoid.
What does the certificate show?
Independent labs have different specifications and their own coding charts to classify precious stones. Nevertheless, all the grading systems focus on the 4Cs of a diamond (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight) and mark the ratings on an equivalent scale which is easy to read.
Let’s take an example of the industry standard, the GIA Grading Report which also acts as the unique identity of every gem they certify.
Every GIA certificate has its own report number, which can be validated online on GIA’s official website: www.gia.edu/report-check-landing
With the detailed drawing of a diamond, a report by Gemological Institute of America would include the following information:
- Cut style
- Carat Weight
- Color Grade
- Clarity Grade
- Measurements
We have explained the significance of these ratings in this article: Buying Your First Solitaire: How To Choose A Diamond
Apart from the standardized 4Cs ratings, the GIA certificate also tells you about the finish, polish, symmetry, fluorescence and any other visible feature of a diamond.
On request of customers, diamond certification labs can also inscribe a unique report/serial number on the girdle of a diamond, using micro-laser technology. Using this serial number, you may obtain your diamond’s report from the certifying company’s website and match with the details provided by the retail outlet. However, not all diamonds have a serial number engraved because it depends on the institution which has done the testing for the solitaire you wish to buy.
Establishing a diamond’s true price for its quality and rarity is a complex assignment. This is why it becomes important to pay attention to the professional assessment report of the diamond in question. These certificates are also helpful to buy insurance or resell the diamond embedded jewelry.