How should you read a GIA diamond certificate?
When it comes to a diamond the characteristics play a tremendous role in the value and uniqueness of the gemstone. Therefore, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) established a global standard to which a diamond’s characteristics is measured; these measurements include the clarity, carat weight, cut and colour (known as the 4Cs of diamond grading). These unique qualities and characteristics, along with the diamond’s finish (polish and symmetry), fluorescence, diagrams of the diamond’s proportion and additional comments are recorded on a GIA diamond grading report.
The GIA established a global standard to which a diamond’s characteristics is measured
The GIA certificate, also known as the GIA Diamond Dossier, includes a unique GIA report number; this includes a laser inscribed code in letters no larger than a few micro on the girdle of the diamond. This report number is unique to every diamond and you can verify the report number on the GIA website. The diamond certificate will also have the details of the 4Cs as well as the aiding identification.
The GIA dossier will feature the 4Cs of the unique diamond
The diamond certificate will serve as proof of the diamond’s identity and determine its value. By receiving a GIA certificate the seller is also making sure the diamond’s characteristics are established independently, by an internationally recognised diamond grading laboratory giving the purchaser peace of mind.
The GIA certificate will serve as proof of the diamond’s qualities and value
While the characteristics of the diamond is recorded on the GIA certificate and aids a jeweller in establishing the price of the diamond, it doesn’t suggest a monetary value. Therefore, if you’re planning to insure the diamond you need to make sure you get a separate valuation certificate; this certificate will indicate the estimated retail replacement value of the diamond.
What will you find on your GIA certificate?
The certificate will display a unique code representing your diamond
The GIA is recognised as one of the most reliable grading laboratories that supply consumers with an unbiased and accurate grading report. Even though the GIA certificate has a lot of information it still remains relatively easy to interpret. A GIA certificate will contain the following information:
• The diamond’s very own certificate number (For example, 1105994015)
There will be a description of the diamond’s shape and cut
• A brief description of the diamond’s unique shape (For example, a Round Brilliant Cut)
The dossier will display the carat weight, colour and clarity of the diamond
• A description of the diamond’s length, width and depth in millimetres (For example, 5.10 – 5.11 x 3.16 mm)
• The carat weight of the diamond (For example, 0.50ct)
• The colour description of the diamond (For example, E)
• The clarity of the diamond (For example, VS2)
There will be a description of the diamond’s polish, symmetry and fluorescence
• A report of the cut grade (For example, ‘Very Good’)
• A description of the quality of the diamond’s polish (For example, ‘Very Good’)
• The value of the diamond’s symmetry (For example, ‘Excellent’)
• The presence or absence of fluorescence in the diamond (for example, ‘None’)
It will describe the diamond’s depth percentage and table percentage
• The entire depth percentage and table percentage of the diamond (For example, 61.9% and 57% respectively)
• The girdle’s appearance (For example, ‘Thin to Medium’)
• A report of the culet (For example, ‘None’)
You will also find that some GIA certificates contain additional information:
• There will be a diagram that will feature the clarity characteristics of the diamond.
Buying a diamond is a big decision and should be a rewarding experience. Therefore, you should make sure to request a diamond certificate from an independent diamond grading laboratory when purchasing a diamond larger than .50ct from a reputable jeweller. Then, you can go on and propose to the love of your life knowing that the diamond was exactly what you were looking for from the start.
