Diamond Certification Guide

What is Diamond Certification?

Also known as Diamond Grading Report. It’s simply an assurance that you get, knowing that you purchased the diamond in its correct value. It’s an official evaluation of the qualities of the diamonds. Each diamond carries its own DNA which incorporates features of the diamonds like the proportions, symmetry, measurements and other characteristics. Because of the various differences in all diamonds, the certification offers people a way to identify the quality of a diamond. This usually includes Report Number, a Laser Inscription Registry Number, and unique Security Features. This is a way to differentiate and analyze a single loose diamond.

Why do you need Diamond Certification?

Many people would think that diamond certification is not necessary, but never accept a diamond without a Diamond Grading Report because it will not have an official way to identify the quality of it. This report will give you peace of mind and assurance when you purchase your jewelry, knowing that you know the good quality and authenticity of the diamond. If is not offered during the purchase, never be ashamed to ask for it. This is a part of your investment and if this report is not given to you as an option, don’t be hesitant to walk away.

Who are the Leaders that provide Diamond Certification?

There are hundreds of laboratories which offer diamond certifications. They are usually the leaders in the field of diamonds. These industry leaders appoint certified gemologists and diamond graders to conduct extensive laboratory examinations on the diamonds to be submitted for evaluation.

Here are a few laboratories that are already well-known throughout the globe.

The Gemological Institute of America – GIA
They are the largest American-based non-profit organization and is the official founder of diamond grading. They provide the highest quality of standards with highly educated professionals and more advanced technologies. GIA introduced diamond certification to the industry in the 1950’s. For loose diamonds that weigh 1.00 carat and above, the GIA issues a full Diamond Grading Report. No stones are the same due to they have their own fingerprint, their DNA, s the GIA analyzes the stone’s characteristics same as the inclusions and blemishes.

American Gem Society Laboratories – AGS
Also an international leader in the field of diamonds and grading reports. Not only that they conduct grading reports on loose diamonds, but also manages an ongoing educational programs for gemological and appraisal certifications. Like the GIA, the AGS creates assessments to at least 0.18 carat loose diamonds. The AGS ideal cut is a diamond graded with a 0 cut.

The International Gemological Institute – IGI
The IGI was established in 1975 leading it to be the only international certification laboratory, owned and manifested by one central governing body to insure the consistency in grading reports worldwide. They issue more than one million reports per year. The IGI certification delivers a concrete level of assurance for premium diamond quality for an international loose diamond purchase.

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)

The EGL is credited with providing inclusive international certifications. Diamonds that have inclusions beyond the SI2 grade was given the new clarity grade, but still it can’t be seen by the naked eye. Hence, its very important to highlight that the GIA is known for using slightly higher standards than the EGL.