In theory, no, in real life, yes.Remember, a diamond certificate cannot magically change the quality of your stone. Is a diamond without a certification worth less? On the other hand, a diamond certificate does prove that a diamond is natural! So, just because a diamond does not have a certificate, does not mean that it is fake. A credible diamond certificate lets others know exactly what they’re getting!Ī loose diamond with a GIA certificate.
DIAMOND CERTIFICATION GIA VS IGI UPGRADE
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. As small differences in diamond grading can make hundreds or even thousands of dollars’ difference, the credibility of a diamond’s certification is huge. So, customers use diamond certificates to level the playing field. On the other hand, most diamond buyers are new to diamond grading. It is a diamond expert’s job to know the “ins and outs” of diamond quality. It is important, therefore, that the diamond certificate you choose is credible. Diamond certification levels the playing fieldĭiamond certification also helps diamond buyers and sellers compare diamonds. So, a credible diamond certificate is the best way to get what you pay for. The best diamond certifications, those we call “credible” diamond certifications, honestly and accurately describe the quality of your diamond. In other words, reports generated by jewelers and appraisers do not have the accuracy or trustworthiness of diamond certifications.Īs we discuss in more detail below, some gem labs are more strict than others in these guidelines.
In comparison, gem labs have consistent diamond grading techniques. Grading between different jewelers and appraisers varies wildly. Diamond certification proves qualityĭiamond certifications are important as they are unbiased opinions of diamond quality. So, a diamond certification proves the stone you’re buying is natural and not lab made. For example, while most appraisers have common tools, they typically do not have a way of testing for lab created diamonds or diamond treatments. Gem labs have access to a bunch of testing equipment that jewelers and appraisers do not. Diamond certification proves it’s natural Thirdly, diamond certifications help to put a diamond buyer and a diamond seller on equal ground. Secondly, credible diamond certifications (more on that below) prove diamond quality. Firstly, a diamond certification proves the stone has been tested and has been confirmed natural. So, appraisals, or the word of your jeweler, cannot take the place of a diamond certification.ĭiamond certifications are important for three big reasons. Most jewelers and appraisers do not have access to the testing equipment gem labs have.
DIAMOND CERTIFICATION GIA VS IGI PRO
Pro Tip! Appraisals and other documents written by a jeweler are NOT diamond certificates. Other labs refuse to value the diamonds they test, preferring to keep their reports impartial. In addition, certain gem labs include their opinion of the diamond’s value. In other words, this is your diamond’s fingerprint! Others do not include plots, to save time. Some diamond certificates will include a diamond “ plot.” A plot is a drawing of the internal marks (or “inclusions”) of the diamond. Most diamond certificates include the following grading categories: GIA Number Laser Inscribed on the Girdle of a Loose Diamond. This is helpful if a diamond certificate is ever lost or stolen. Also, many certified diamonds include a microscopic laser inscription of their certification number on the outer edge of the diamond (its “girdle”). 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. Then, the lab issues a written report about the diamond. Appraisals and jeweler-written documents are not certifications!ĭiamond 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.