Everything you need to know about Diamond Certification

Let us start with a secret. This Education page is going to tell you the key things you need to know when it comes to diamond certification. However, it is not possible to tell you ‘everything’ about diamond certification.

Besides constraints of space and the attention span of the reader, we have dedicated a number of Education pages to break down the important areas that correspond to diamond certification. So the aim here is to provide an important but informative overview of the key points that pertain to diamond certification. From this point, you are able to proceed forward and engage these subjects at a deeper level.

What is Diamond Certification?

Diamonds are the most sought-after gemstones in the world. They are the epitome of value and luxury. Diamonds depending on their core qualities, which we shall get to, can command tremendously high prices and are rightly sought after by jewellery and gemstone enthusiasts around the world.

Given the high value that is attached to natural diamonds, and to a lesser extent, lab grown diamonds it is natural that they come to hold a degree of value in the minds of buyers and those who are involved in the trade of these gemstones. And considering that every party in this equation is out to maximise their personal benefit: either in terms of selling diamonds for the highest prices, regardless of quality and authenticity, with buyers trying to pay as little for high-quality stones. In addition to diamond mining companies that control the supply of these carbon-based gemstones, who in turn are driven by their own interests, concerns and limitations.

And so enters the diamond certification. Which are written/digital documents that verify the quality, authenticity and specific attributes of the cut (or sometimes uncut) stone. The contents of the diamond certificate will vary depending on the diamond certifying authority in question. However, the key principle is that the diamond that is traded in the market place and is recognised as a valuable gemstone must be certified with a diamond certificate. Which must be produced by diamond-certifying authorities. Which is the next point in our discussion.

Diamond Certification Authorities

Diamond certificates which validate the quality of a given stone is produced by a number of diamond-certifying authorities. The most important ones are established in the United States and Europe. Among the most notable are:

• Geological Institute of America (GIA)

• American Gem Society (AGS)

• nternational Gemological Institute (IGI)

• uropean Gemological Laboratories (EGL)

• Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD)

When it comes to choosing among the top diamond certifying authorities, the challenge for the customer depends on a number of factors. Where he/she is from; Their cost; The nature of the purchase (are you a diamond gemstone buyer or jewellery business); and the specific qualities of the diamond they wish to see highlighted. The last point is important, as these various diamond authorities have sought to distinguish themselves by highlighting one or more key diamond measurement tools for optimal diamond cut quality.

This means that not all diamond-certifying authorities are the same. The GIA leads the way being among the oldest diamond certification authorities and is recognised by its famous 4Cs of diamonds. Which measures the diamond’s clarity, cut, colour and carat. IGI diamonds are known for their fluorescence grading tools.

In addition, the organizations themselves will vary from for-profit to non-profit in their character. So diamond buyers, especially those seeking a diamond gemstone for their jewellery should watch out for these affiliations between the diamond jewellery company and the certifying authority.

The Main Contents of a Diamond Certification Report

Once you have settled on diamond certifying authority the next question is what goes into the particular diamond report or certification. Whilst the contents and presentation of the diamond reports may vary, there are certain key elements that must be present in the diamond report no matter the diamond authority in question. These include the diamonds':

• Carat

• Cut

• Clarity

• Colour

These are the top four. Followed by what is arguably the most important consideration: Confirmation of the origins of the stone. Is it naturally sourced, or man-made? Do not skip this point. This is then followed by the breakdown of the stone’s secondary yet important characteristics. These include:

• The Diamond Report/Certificate number.

• Certification Date

• Proportions

• Measurements and Symmetry

• Finish and Polish

• Fluorescence (If available)

• And Laser Inscription (If available or requested).

• 3D Graphical Representation of the Cut Stone

In addition to these, the buyer of the stone needs to pay special attention to the clarity grade of the stone and the cut. As these two are the most technically demanding measures. Particularly the diamond’s cut. Top diamond authorities provide a detailed breakdown of the cut of the stone, in addition to detailing the type of inclusions, and blemishes the diamond stone may have experienced.

Another important point is that when it comes to cutting diamonds we are not only talking about the specific faceting that the gemstone has been subjected to, but also its overall shape. So it is best to have that aspect (shape) marked in as well: whether a diamond is round, oval, emerald etc.

Why is Diamond Certification Important?

The answer to this question ought to be straightforward, given what has been outlined. But if you are interested, there are more reasons to consider them. The first reason is peace of mind. No person would want to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on diamonds and later realise it to be a fake. Beware, for even the most attractive options can prove to be fake.

Next, when it comes to insuring your diamonds or diamond jewellery, having a diamond certificate in your position is essential when taking on such a responsibility. Insurance companies will invariably request verification from third parties, and your word or the payment slip alone will not be enough. Further, if your plan is to sell your diamond in the future-true for natural diamonds-then the certificate will again become handy.