Diamond Certificate Types

Welcome to our series of Education pages engaging the subject of diamond certification. Today our focus is on the top diamond certificate types. This is an interesting topic since we are basically talking about the major diamond certification authorities and the kind of certification protocols they use when it comes to evaluating the quality of cut diamonds.

Which is what we will do. Whilst this might sound straightforward enough, diamond certification is not a uniform process. And the type diamond certificates that are given by the major companies will vary in turn. So what are these diamond certificates, what do they contain and how do they differ? These are the questions we will be engaging in this Education page.

What are Diamond Certificates? 

Diamonds are a serious business. There is a reason why they are the most sought after gemstone in the world. Valued for their visual brilliance, hardness, and rarity the diamond industry, involving diamond miners, gemstone cutters, fine jewellery companies, diamond traders and other key players is a vast global industry.

Given its expansive character, the need to ensure standards in terms of the authenticity of the gemstone that are entering the market, and to grade the specific diamonds according to specific quality specifications that helps customers and jewellery companies pay the correct price for the right gemstone.

And so entered the role of the diamond certification authority. These are dedicated companies, most non profit and some for profit, which work in the space to ensure that the diamonds that are being traded meet acceptable quality requirements, and the specific diamonds that are sold match the various grades that are used to determine a diamond’s value.

Here the diamonds that are assessed and graded, and hence come with dedicated quality certificates, are the cut and polished variety. Whilst rough diamonds are also assessed they are not the mainstay.

The Certificates of the Top Diamond Certification Labs

When it comes to the subject of diamond certification, the differences between the top diamond certificates can be understood by analysing the diamond certifying authorities. The companies which act as third parties provide, it is expected, unbiased review of the diamonds that are sent for inspection.

Here a number of companies perform the role of diamond certifying authorities. Organisations that were established at various times in the 20th century, they are main players who certificates diamond buyers must look for. For a diamond that is not certified, no matter how pretty it looks, it is ultimately just a shiny rock. What sets the stone apart from the rest is a ready certificate that confirms its credentials.

The top companies that are leading the way to ensure is are:

  • The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

  • International Gemological Institute (IGI)

  • American Gemological Society (AGS)

  • The European Gemological Laboratory Organization (EGL)

  • The Diamond High Council [Its Flemish abbreviation] (HRD)

Followed by two lesser known entities: The Diamond and Gem Laboratories of America (DGLA) and Solitaire Gem Labs (SGL). In addition to these major players there are numerous other diamond certification labs, which operate independently of these major players or might have some level affiliation with them.

Now the reader might be wondering about these various companies, their certification history. These are specific points which we have engaged in dedicated Education pages. The key point for the reader to consider is that diamond certification is an integral part of the industry. For businesses and consumers. However what we will focus on is some of the key differences between their certificates.

Diamond Certificate Types

Now when it comes to the diamond certification authorities the kind of certification they provide will vary in terms of the company in question. The diamond type (natural or lab grown) and the sophistication of the report. Top diamond grading companies provide a number of reports with varying levels of information, specificity. So let us break down some of the important ones.

  • GIA provides the main Diamond Grading Report: This essentially contains a breakdown of the diamond’s 4Cs. And other pertinent information on diamond quality. In addition the GIA also provides the Diamond dossier: which grades loose natural diamonds that fall between 0.15 – 1.99 carats. Along with a specific report for coloured (fancy) diamonds.

  • AGS provides the prominent Diamond Quality Report, which provides a thorough description of the selected diamond’s quality gradings: measuring its cut, carat, clarity and colour, in addition to factors like shape and style. In addition to this AGS also provides the Platinum Quality Diamond Document: This, in addition to measuring core quality factors, also includes AGS proprietary diamond light performance.

  • IGI as one of the leading diamond certification authorities provides a number of top diamond reports. As a for profit entity, it differs from GIA and AGS, but it provides some of the best diamond reporting in the industry with its main IGI Diamond Report along with the unique Hearts and Arrows reports. That showcases its specialised diamond cutting prowess.

What Do Diamond Certificates Contain?

This is a straightforward question that contains layers of detail. On the face of it the diamond report or certificate (the terminology might vary depending on the document and company in question) is meant to assess the quality of the specific stone by analysing its grade in relation to its carat, cut, clarity and colour.

For many the GIA standard of the 4Cs is considered the benchmark. However other diamond companies also provide expert level certification that matches and in certain ways surpasses the GIA grade. However, it holds the top position for many owing to its popular adoption.

When it comes to the contents of the diamond certificate, which often takes the form of a report that breaks down the specific features of the gemstone: from its size, clarity, colour quality and cut. These factors in turn breakdown into more specific parts.

For example, if the diamond clarity is graded as SI1: the report often provides a breakdown of the type of inclusions and blemishes that have contributed to this grade. The same with colour. If the diamond features a colour grade beyond top level D – H (or colourless to near colourless range), then the report will, or ought to make mention of any secondary shades, their level and how it affects the glow and visual characteristics of the stone.

In addition, the diamond must grade the origins of the stone. The main difference being if it is natural or man made (lab grown). This is followed by information on the overall structure of the stone: analysing its symmetry, proportions and finish. Another important consideration, though this mainly in the realm of coloured non carbon based gemstones like sapphires, is the presence of particular treatments or modifications. These are the key factors that diamond buyers must look out for.

Which is the Most Reliable Diamond Certificate?

If you have read this page carefully, you will know that this is a trick question. The point is there is no single best report that one can simply suggest. Even if you are considering a type of certificate with special additions, like light performance, in relation to the diamond authority in question).

So when it comes to picking the best diamond grading certificate, it is best to start by analysing the diamond authority in question. What does the organisation offer, its history, and reputation. Once you have settled on this question then you can turn your attention to a specific diamond document or certificate that you would like to go with.

A secondary consideration when it comes to diamond certificates is the cost. Since the process of validating diamonds is generally a secondary concern for diamonds and diamond jewellery buyers, as this is the task of the diamond jewellery company or whoever that is selling you the final product. Thus diamond sellers, and fine jewellery companies that sell diamonds must assess the best diamond certificate in relation to cost, time and geographic factors. So it is important that customers keep an eye out for that in the diamond jewellery company brochures or online site.