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You’ve probably heard Juliet’s famous line, “a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” But does the same apply to diamonds? Let’s say the diamond you’re looking at comes with some papers that say it is a G/VS2 quality stone. Isn’t that good enough? Well, it depends. As you’ve looked for your perfect engagement diamond, you’ve no doubt seen dozens of gem labs that issue diamond certification. Men, are all gem labs made equal? The answer is a resounding NO.

Below, you’ll learn about:

What Diamond Certification is
Why Diamond Certification is important
If Diamond Certification affects value
Who issues Diamond Certifications
If all Diamond Certifications are equal
3 reasons you really want a GIA Diamond
Note!! This post is about diamond certification for Natural Diamonds. Learn here about Lab Diamonds vs Natural Diamonds – and why we chose GCAL and IGI USA for Lab Diamonds.

 

What is Diamond Certification?
An independent, scientific analysis of your diamond’s quality.
Appraisals and jeweler-written documents are not certifications!
Diamond certification is a process where an independent gem lab (one that’s not in cahoots with the jeweler!) tests and assesses the quality of a diamond. Then, the lab issues a written report about the diamond. Each report, or “certificate,” has its own number which is kept on file at the gem lab and a copy is sent back with the diamond. Också, many certified diamonds include a microscopic laser inscription of their certification number on the outer edge of the diamond (its “girdle”). This is helpful if a diamond certificate is ever lost or stolen.

loose diamond with inscription on edge of diamond
GIA Number Laser Inscribed on the Girdle of a Loose Diamond.

MOST DIAMOND CERTIFICATES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING GRADING CATEGORIES:
Natural or Lab Created Status
Color
Cut
Clarity
Carat weight
Some diamond certificates will include a diamond “plot.” A plot is a drawing of the internal marks (or “inclusions”) of the diamond. Med andra ord, this is your diamond’s fingerprint! Others do not include plots, to save time. Dessutom, certain gem labs include their opinion of the diamond’s value. Other labs refuse to value the diamonds they test, preferring to keep their reports impartial.

Pro Tip! Appraisals and other documents written by a jeweler are NOT diamond certificates. Most jewelers and appraisers do not have access to the testing equipment gem labs have. Så, appraisals, or the word of your jeweler, cannot take the place of a diamond certification.

 

Why is Diamond Certification important?
Diamond certifications are important for three big reasons. Firstly, a diamond certification proves the stone has been tested and has been confirmed natural. Secondly, credible diamond certifications (more on that below) prove diamond quality. Thirdly, diamond certifications help to put a diamond buyer and a diamond seller on equal ground.

DIAMOND CERTIFICATION PROVES IT’S NATURAL
Gem labs have access to a bunch of testing equipment that jewelers and appraisers do not. Till exempel, while most appraisers have common tools, they typically do not have a way of testing for lab created diamonds or diamond treatments. Så, a diamond certification proves the stone you’re buying is natural and not lab made.

DIAMOND CERTIFICATION PROVES QUALITY
Diamond certifications are important as they are unbiased opinions of diamond quality. Grading between different jewelers and appraisers varies wildly. In comparison, gem labs have consistent diamond grading techniques. Med andra ord, reports generated by jewelers and appraisers do not have the accuracy or trustworthiness of diamond certifications.

As we discuss in more detail below, some gem labs are more strict than others in these guidelines. The best diamond certifications, those we call “credible” diamond certifications, honestly and accurately describe the quality of your diamond. Så, a credible diamond certificate is the best way to get what you pay for.

DIAMOND CERTIFICATION LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD
Diamond certification also helps diamond buyers and sellers compare diamonds. It is important, therefore, that the diamond certificate you choose is credible. It is a diamond expert’s job to know the “ins and outs” of diamond quality. Å andra sidan, most diamond buyers are new to diamond grading. Så, customers use diamond certificates to level the playing field. As small differences in diamond grading can make hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ difference, the credibility of a diamond’s certification is huge.

Hot tip! In addition to helping you choose a beautiful diamond for your engagement, making sure you choose a credible diamond certification will help you later if you and your partner ever choose to upgrade your diamond for a special anniversary, or gift it to your children. A credible diamond certificate lets others know exactly what they’re getting!

 

round diamond on top of gia certificate
A loose diamond with a GIA certificate.