Today’s discerning diamond purchaser needs to understand the traditional 4 C's of diamonds. But these standards have been joined by an equally important 5th C: certification.
To help educate diamond buyers, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), has established guidelines for grading diamonds and issues grading certificates. These reports are prepared by independent, certified gemologists from laboratories around the world and can help calculate the specific characteristics of your diamond (color, cut, clarity and carat weight, for example).
While a diamond’s certificate does not give the monetary value of the stone, it does describe and evaluate the critical factors that affect the diamond’s quality, beauty and value. Even diamond experts rely on certification to verify their purchases. In addition, some insurance companies may require a grading report if you are planning to insure the diamond. Then, if your diamond is lost or stolen, certification will help ensure that the stone is replaced with a diamond of equal quality.
Here’s what's included in a Diamond Grading Report. A diamond grading report will commonly include a plotted diagram of your diamond and significant characteristics, including the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight). The report will also describe the diamond’s shape, exact measurements, proportions and depth percentages as well as grade the polish and symmetry. It should also comment on characteristics like fluorescence, raining, and any imperfections in the diamond.
(Please note: a grading report does not include an appraisal or any kind of statement of monetary worth of the diamond. Grading reports simply state the scientific facts of your diamond that can be evaluated by highly standardized criteria.)
Look for this information on a reliable diamond certificate:
- Date of the report
- Unique identification number
- Issuer of the report
- Origin
- Carat weight
- Shape and cut
- Measurements
- Proportions
- Clarity and color grades
- Fluorescence
Take the time to understand a certificate, but remember that it can’t take the place of a visual inspection of the diamond you are considering. Some diamonds are beautiful, even if they don’t shine on paper.