Facts about Diamond Certification
About Diamond Certificates
As you select your diamonds, you should consider the certification of paramount importance. Without a diamond certification report, you have no way of knowing that the stone you're buying actually possesses the qualities the jeweler claims. A diamond certificate, also called a diamond dossier or diamond grading report, objectively verifies the qualities of the stone. The report is authored by a group of gemologists who analyze the properties of the diamond. The gemologists scrutinize the diamond under a microscope and a jeweler's loupe to determine its properties accurately. When selecting your diamonds, look for certification reports that include information on the diamond's dimensions, polish, color, clarity, carat weight, and symmetry. For round diamonds, the report should also include information on the cut grade.
The Issuing Institutions
Diamond certificates in the U.S. are usually issued by the Gemological Institute of America, known as the GIA, or the American Gem Society Laboratories, known as AGSL. These two institutions are the most credible and respected in the country. The GIA and AGSL certificates will vary slightly, but they are both equally valid. When you select your diamonds, you can rest assured that you have an accurate evaluation of your stone if the certification report is issued by either of these gemological societies.
Appraisal versus Certification
Diamond buyers commonly confuse appraisals with certification reports. In reality, the two are very different and serve disparate purposes. An appraisal is less objective than a diamond certification report, and its primary purpose is to estimate the monetary value of a stone. Any jeweler can perform an appraisal, as no credentials are required. An appraisal is typically used before a stone is sold or insured. On the other hand, a certification report does not estimate a stone's monetary value; rather, it assesses the properties of the stone that determine its quality. Certification reports are performed by objective, certified gemologists who are experts in the evaluation of diamonds and other gemstones.
What to Expect from a Diamond Grading Report
Some jewelers allow you to view grading reports online as you select your diamonds. That way, there are no surprises after you purchase the stone and view the certification report. In the report, the stone will receive a grade on each of the four Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight). With GIA diamond certifications, the report will also show a diagram indicating the stone's clarity (where the occlusions are located) and a drawing indicating the proportions of the stone. Most reports also include a section for the gemologist's comments on the stone. Other sections of the report may include information on laser inscription (if applicable), fluorescence, finish, and polish.
