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Diamond Certification
A diamond certification serves as an independent report of a diamond's authenticity and evaluation of the 4 C's. Often called "the fifth C" this important documentation is essential for shoppers who want to make sure they are buying a quality diamond for the right price. The two most trusted diamond laboratories which provide certification are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). The top international diamond certification company is the International Gemological Institute (IGI). If you wish to purchase a diamond that has not been certified by either the GIA, AGS or the IGI, perform some in-depth research on the company to make sure you have a certificate from a reputable business.
Why Do You Need A Diamond Certificate?- Without certification, it is almost impossible for a consumer to evaluate the qualities of a diamond which are measured by precise tools and microscopic examinations.
- Comparison shopping is impossible without viewing different types of diamonds and their certifications.
- Without a certificate there is no assurance that the diamond is authentic.
- Diamond certification provides a baseline for appraisal and insurance; without this information it is impossible to tell if your diamond is being insured for the right price or if your diamond has been fairly priced.
- Without certification it can be difficult to prove a diamond is yours if it is lost or stolen.
- The resale value of a diamond can be severely diminished if it is not certified.
What Type of Information is on a Diamond Certificate? - The diamond's cut and shape, any identifying laser inscribed numbers or inscriptions, and the diamond's measurements.
- A grade report containing an evaluation of cut, clarity, color, and carat.
- A detailed map of the diamond including exact locations of inclusions and blemishes and exact measurements of the diamond's facets, angles, and proportions.
- An evaluation of the finish, often including polish and symmetry, of the diamond.
- An evaluation of the diamond's fluorescence.
How Can You Interpret This Information? - Before you look at a diamond certificate, take some time to understand the 4 C's of a diamond, and the values of diamond grading. With this information, you can create a list of grade values that you want in a diamond before you shop.
- Understand that many inclusions and blemishes are not visible to the naked eye, and these markings can serve as a fingerprint to identify your diamond in case it is lost or stolen.
- The finish of a diamond is very important to the diamond's look. Too much polishing can result in a dull or scratched diamond, and off symmetry will cause poor light reflective qualities.
- The fluorescence of a diamond refers to whether or not the diamond emits a glow or light if it exposed to ultraviolet light. This value is still under much debate, and for now whether a diamond fluoresces or not has no affect on the diamond's value.
What Type of Information is Not on a Diamond Certificate? - A diamond certificate is not the same thing as a diamond appraisal. Jewelers, or independent gemologists, use the information on a certificate to price a diamond, but an authentic certificate never has an appraisal value listed.
- For certain types of diamonds a cut grade may not be on the certificate; the GIA only offers cut grades on round brilliant cut diamonds, and the AGS only offers cut grades on round brilliant cut diamonds and princess cut, emerald cut, and oval cut diamonds. In cases where the cut grade is not included on the diamond certification the jeweler or independent gemologist evaluates the cut.
- Certificates for fancy color diamonds list the diamond's color, and grade the other 3 C's. A separate color grade report is issued for these diamonds.
Questions Or Comments About Diamond Certification?
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