Education

Certification

Acquisition of a Diamond or Diamond Jewelry is an important expression of love or accomplishment but on the same time it also represents a major investment of money. It is essential for you to know the credentials of the diamond and obtain confidence in the integrity of what you have acquired.

A Diamond Certificate or Diamond Grading Report is a statement, issued by an independent Gemological Laboratory, that at the time of evaluation, the diamond in question has been examined, measured, and scrutinized by experienced Diamond Graders, using various gemological instruments, and determined to contain the characteristics as stated in the Certificate or Report.

In other words, a diamond certificate can be accurately described as the blueprint of a diamond. This Certificate or Report includes an analysis of the diamond's characteristics in an easy to understand format. Generally a certificate or report covers following characteristics of a diamond along with the laboratory and certificate details:

• Name of the Laboratory
• Certificate Number
• Shape and Cutting Style
• Measurements of the Diamond's diameter
• Carat Weight
• Color Grade
• Clarity Grade
• Cut Grade
• Finish, Polish & Symmetry
• Fluorescence
• Comments
• Plotted diagram of the diamond for the imperfections.
• Key to Symbols that helps us to identify characteristics marked in the plot.
• Security Features for the Certificate
• Graphical image of Diamond Structure
• Information about Diamond's Depth, Table, Girdles, Culet and Facets etc.
This certificate doesn't state monetary value of a diamond.

There are many laboratories available through out the world for diamond certification but below mentioned laboratories are considered as most respected ones in the industry, for their consistency and unbiased diamond grading systems.

• The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The Gemological Institute of America was established in 1931 in Los Angeles. The GIA created and introduced the international grading system. Headquarters are still located in Los Angeles.

• The Diamond High Council (HRD)

The Diamond High Council is the officially recognized representative of the Belgium diamond trade and industry. HRD headquarters are located in Antwerp, World Diamond Center.

• The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL)

The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) was established in 1934 in Las Vegas, Nevada by Robert M. Shipley, who also established the GIA.

• International Gemological Institute (IGI)

The International Gemological Institute was established in 1975 in Antwerp. This laboratory is also having labs in New York, Bangkok, Mumbai and Tokyo.

Securing a certificate will provide you a much-needed peace of mind knowing that you are getting your money's worth. Here are some reasons to buy a diamond along with its certificate:

• A diamond certificate gives you the exact details of the stone and on the basis of this information you will be able to do some comparison-shopping before doing the actual purchase.

• A diamond certificate allows you to pay money on the basis of stone's characteristics. Your jeweler wont be able to charge you more and there are very good chances to get the best deals.

• On re-sale of diamond along with its certificate, you will get better price for the diamond.

• To get insurance for your diamond, you also need to produce diamond certificate.

It is a standard practice in the Diamond Industry, to ask for a Diamond's Certificate or Grading Report from the jeweler before the purchase of it.