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What's in a Certificate?
Certificates are proof of a diamond's identity, authenticity and value. A certificate will indicate a diamond’s exact measurements, weight, cut and overall quality. A certificate will precisely point out a diamond’s individual characteristics as well as be a useful tool while identifying a stone. |
How to buy a quality diamond:
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Look for reputable gemological labs: Make sure a reputable gemologist or gemological lab issued the grading certificate. You'll have trouble determining impartiality and stringency of lesser laboratories.
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Evaluate the grading certificate's photo: Look for listings with a picture of the grading certificate and its serial number. Some labs offer online services where you can type in the serial number and verify that the lab graded the diamond and that the specifications are the same.
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Discover the origin of a diamond: Ask sellers for more information about their process for confirming the origin of their diamonds so you don't end up buying a conflict diamond. Back to top
Diamond grading laboratories
Acquaint yourself with gemological labs before purchasing your diamond. Lab reputations may vary and change over time. Popular labs that certify diamonds and gemstones include:
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Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Many in the diamond industry consider GIA the gold standard of diamond graders.GIA grading reports have been considered to be a hallmark of integrity throughout the diamond world.Established in 1931, the not-for-profit GIA has its headquarters in Carlsbad, California and has a presence in a number of locations worldwide.
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International Gemological Institute (IGI): IGI grades diamonds and gemstones from its headquarters in New York and several other U.S. locations.
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American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL): Founded in 1978, the AGSL is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
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Number 1 and most respected.
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You can be sure any diamond with GIA certification has reliable and consistent grading.
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3 – 6 gemologists grade a diamond separately to ensure accuracy.
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GIA issues two kinds of reports:
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GIA Document – contains full description of the diamond and a plotting of the clarity characteristics of the stone. Generally done for sizes above 1 carat.
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GIA Dossier – contains the full description of the diamond. However, plotting is replaced by a laser inscription that can be used for verification. Generally done for smaller stones. Back to top
American Gems Society (AGS)
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Known throughout the diamond industry for grading top-notch round ideal cut diamonds
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High standards surpass that of any other grading laboratory in the world
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AGS Ideal Cut Diamond is highly sought after Back to top
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
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Provides a detailed certification that is not as strict as GIA
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Provides more information than the GIA Report including pavilion & crown angles
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Typically used by diamond cutters for smaller diamonds
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Reports cost lesser than GIA and therefore diamonds graded by IGI can be priced lesser than an equal grade of GIA
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Grades would vary if resubmitted to GIA. Grade Variations however are rarely more than 1 grade Back to top
Hoge Raad voor Diamant – HRD
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Officially represents the Belgian diamond sector at home and abroad
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Enjoys an excellent reputation for objectivity & quality
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Established in 1973, based in Antwerp
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Objectivity guaranteed by maintaining strictest anonymity
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When the diamonds are bought to the lab, the data is inputted in the computer and the stone is given 2 numbers – one printed on the receipt note and one for internal follow-up. The grader therefore can never trace whom the stone belongs to. Back to top
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