Diamond Certification 101
Any diamond you buy should be certified by an accredited gemological laboratory. The certificate for a diamond provides a detailed quality report for each individual diamond, and is your only official assurance of quality.
Certification differs from an appraisal because thecertification is gauranteed by an accreddited gemological insitution, while an appraisal is only as accurate as the skill and knowledge of the appraiser.
The four major and most recognized gemological institutions are:
G.I.A. - Gemological Institute of America
A.G.S. - American Gem Society
E.G.L. - European Gemological Laboratory
I.G.I. - International Gemological Institute
G.I.A.:
The procedures used by GIA to grade diamonds are designed to achieve the utmost accuracy. Each diamond is subject to the scrutiny and analysis of the Institute’s renowned diamond graders and gemologists. And each diamond grading report details the Institute’s authoritative assessment of a diamond’s 4Cs – color, clarity, cut, and carat weight.
What’s more, since GIA is not affiliated with any retailer, wholesaler, or manufacturer, you gain extra peace of mind knowing that your GIA report represents the impartial opinion of unbiased professionals.
All GIA diamond grading reports contain a hologram, security screen and microprint lines as well as other security features that exceed industry guidelines.
A.G.S:
The American Gem Society provides a Diamond Quality Certificate (DQC) with each diamond it certifies. The DQC is a guarantee of authenticity and confidence, certifying the quality of the diamond. Available only through the American Gem Society, the DQC was created to provide the customer with a powerful and accountable diamond document.
The DQC is authenticated, validated and enforced by a diamond professional – either a Registered Jeweler, Certified Gemologist, or Certified Gemologist Appraiser and is your assurance of quality and value.
E.G.L:
EGL is one of the largest and oldest independent gemological institutions focusing on gemstone certification and research. Every certificate issued by EGL states "A member of the EGL Group." Certificate numbers are preceded by either "US" or "CA," to indicate country of origin and to provide consumers the assurance that their certificate has been issued by a member of the EGL Group.
I.G.I:
The IGI Diamond Report is a statement attesting to the authenticity of a diamond and provides a reliable and accurate report of its identity and grade based on an internationally recognized system.
Each diamond is scientifically analyzed by several gemologists who use their experience in combination with state-of-the-art equipment to produce an accurate description of the characteristics of the diamond and the quality of its cut. With its detailed information presented in understandable language, the different qualities of a diamond can be truly appreciated.
The grade or quality of a diamond is based on four characteristics commonly referred to as the 4Cs: the Carat weight, Color, Clarity and Cut. These are analyzed and the results are recorded in the IGl Diamond Report.
Each diamond is scientifically analyzed by several gemologists who use their experience in combination with state-of-the-art equipment to produce an accurate description of the characteristics of the diamond and the quality of its cut. With its detailed information presented in understandable language, the different qualities of a diamond can be truly appreciated.
The grade or quality of a diamond is based on four characteristics commonly referred to as the 4Cs: the Carat weight, Color, Clarity and Cut. These are analyzed and the results are recorded in the IGl Diamond Report.
Now that you know what your looking for in a diamond, browse our store for the best Solitaire Loose Diamonds.