GRADING REPORTS & CERTIFICATES
Monday, May 30, 2011 by admin
Potential diamond buyers should always check to ensure they will receive a diamond grading certificate with their diamond purchase. The importance of this certificate is to give buyers a detailed gemological analysis of the gemstone, compiled by a team of certified gemologists in a laboratory.
The information you’ll find in your diamond grading certificate will be the 4 C’s; color, clarity, carat and cut. The dimensions and shape of the diamond will be presented in detail within the report, as well as the measurements, table and depth percentages and the polish and symmetry inherent within the stone. Your report should also contain a comprehensive section on any imperfections, fluorescence and graining within the stone and come complete with a detailed sketch of your diamond.
A certificate is an essential part of any diamond purchase and will ensure the buyer of both the quality and authenticity of the gemstone. Additionally, if you ever decide to resell your stone the certificate will allow you to receive a fair price. If you plan on insuring your diamond, a grading report is often a prerequisite. Most labs charge a relatively modest fee to undertake the certification process, and the price is based on carat weight.
While a certificate doesn’t necessarily enhance the value of your diamond, it’s an important essential when purchasing a diamond to procure a grading report. With a certificate, your diamond can never be undervalued or suspected of being inauthentic. If you’re interested in purchasing a diamond, make sure you receive a diamond grading report from one of the leading independent gemological labs to ensure your gem’s authenticity and protect your investment.
The Various Types of Diamond Grading Certificates
GIA
The Gemological Institute of America was actually the first group to develop an internationally accepted grading system. Even prior to the EGL, GIA was the first to introduce a diamond grading report and set the standards for diamond grading worldwide. The company compiles reports on diamonds over 1 carat in size. What’s more, they are the group responsible for examining some of the world’s most famous gems. Each diamond screened with GIA comes with a complete report detailing the weight, cut, proportions, color grade and clarity.
EGL
The EGL (European Gemological Society) has really been the defining group in setting the standards and criteria for diamond grading. Their Diamond Certificate and Diamond Consultation offers diamond buyers a detailed report on the various aspects of the grading process. Their certificates are recognized worldwide and their client base includes craftsmen, wholesalers, dealers and manufacturers. However, the EGL does not sell diamonds and works independently from any diamond sales groups.
AGS
The American Gemological Society (also referred to as AGS laboratories) serves a wide variety of clients including jewelry wholesalers, diamond cutters, jewelers, and various manufacturers. Their grading report, referred to as the AGS Diamond Quality Document (DQD) offers a comprehensive report on the cut grade of round, brilliant cut diamonds. In addition their report covers all four aspects of the grading process including cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Their ratings are given on a scale from 1 to 10.
IGI
The International Gemological Institute issues over 400,000 grading reports each year and their reports encompass three distinct areas including the Diamond Report, Identification Report, and the Information Appraisal Report. The diamond report helps ensure the diamond’s authenticity by providing information about weight, measurements, shape and cut, clarity, color and several other aspects of the gemstone. The identification report provides an enlarged photograph of the diamond to substantiate the information about proportions, measurements and the 4 C’s. Finally, the Appraisal report gives an estimate about the diamond’s replacement value expressly for insurance purposes
