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Diamond Grading
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Diamond Grades
Diamond grading is used to measure the qualities which define the characteristics of a diamond. Below you will find the grading systems offered by the two most respected laboratories in the business and info about how to read a diamond certification report. If you are looking for diamond engagement rings and wedding rings to fit your budget, you can also use this info to find a lower (and more affordable) grade diamond without sacrificing on the diamond's look and quality.
Diamond certificates which contain grading information were developed to serve as a third party between diamond buyers and diamond sellers. It is important to understand that a certified diamond grade report is not the same thing as a diamond appraisal. In fact, true diamond certificates stay away from appraisals of any kind; these reports are intended to serve as a guide to both the buyer and the seller. While there are different laboratories that grade diamonds, two laboratories dominate this market: the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) also known as American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL). Each of these companies have extremely good reputations. The GIA is a nonprofit organization, and they are the oldest diamond grading company; founded in 1931, the GIA developed the International Diamond Grading System and the concept of the 4 C's of diamonds. The AGS was founded in 1934. In 1996 they opened their laboratories (AGSL), and since then they have quickly risen to one of the most respected gem grading laboratories. Below, you will find the grade parameters used by GIA and AGS for Color, Clarity, and Cut. (Each institute weighs the diamonds using extremely accurate tools to measure the Carat).
Understanding Grade Values:- Now that you can see the grading guidelines used by the GIA and the AGS, you can use this information to help find the best diamond(s) for your rings.
- If you are looking for an excellent diamond, and budget is not a concern, then you will want to choose a diamond that has been graded Colorless/No Color, Ideal/Excellent Cut, and Flawless/No Inclusions.
- If you would like a quality diamond, but budget is a concern, then choose a diamond that has a lower color, cut, and clarity grade which is within these parameters:
- Color: G-I (GIA) or 0.5 - 3.49 (AGS)
- Clarity: VVS1 - SI2 (GIA) or 1 - 5 (AGS)
- Cut: Very Good - Good (GIA) or 1 - 4 (AGS)
- Diamonds whose grades fall below the values listed above are not highly recommended. The quality of the diamond's look, strength, and durability begin to decline once you go below these levels.
Diamond Grading and Fancy Cut and Color Diamonds: - GIA offers a grade report on color, clarity, and carat on all colorless diamonds, and they provide a full grade report on the cut of colorless round brilliant diamonds only.
- AGS offers a grade report on color, clarity, carat, and a cut grade report on colorless round brilliant cut diamonds and on colorless emerald, princess, and oval fancy cut diamonds.
- So, if you would like to buy a fancy cut diamond that has been evaluated by the GIA keep in mind that the report will not contain a grade on the cut; an AGS grade report will not evaluate a cut grade on diamonds that are outside of the round brilliant, emerald, princess, and oval cuts. In these cases, the jeweler will provide this evaluation based on the diamond's brilliance, fire, polish, finish, and measurements.
- Since you must rely on an independent jeweler's evaluation for certain types of cuts, it is important to make sure your diamond has been evaluated by a trustworthy jeweler as poorly cut diamonds can have an effect on the diamond's strength, durability, and beauty.
- Colored (fancy color) diamonds are graded on clarity, carat and cut (when applicable) but the color grade is evaluated based on the hue, tone and saturation of the color.
Before you buy a diamond, check out diamond certification, 4 C's of diamonds, and diamond terms and anatomy, to find additional info about the most desirable characteristics of a quality diamond and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Questions Or Comments About Diamond Grading?
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