Diamond Certification
A fine diamond is beautiful, rare and enduring. Diamond certification ensures complete transparency, giving you absolute confidence in the quality and authenticity of your stone. Below is a guide to understanding diamond certificates and the essentials to look for when selecting your diamond.
(Courtesy of GIA)
What to Look for on a Diamond Certificate
Grading qualities
A reputable diamond grading report should provide a complete and detailed assessment of the diamond’s characteristics. Missing information can create an inaccurate impression of quality or value.
Essential Diamond Grading Details
Every trusted certificate should clearly include the following:
- Diamond Description
- Shape
- Carat Weight
- Measurements
- Clarity Grade
- Colour Grade
- Cut
- Fluorescence
- Finish
- Polish & Symmetry
- Proportions
- Table Diameter
- Crown Height
- Pavilion Depth
- Girdle Thickness
- Culet Size
While the presentation may vary slightly between leading international laboratories, all of these attributes should be present to ensure the diamond meets the finest grading standards.
The Four C's
Cut
Cut is often confused with the outward appearance of a diamond, which relates to its ‘shape’ (round, pear, etc), because many ‘shapes’ are in fact called ‘cuts’ – including Cushion Cut and Criss Cut.
The ‘cut’ is what determines the way in which light travels through a diamond and reflects back into your eye.
If you compare diamonds on Carat Weight alone, as many do, you can buy a ‘one carat’ diamond for $7,000 or $8,000 and think you have a bargain, when in fact you have paid too much.
For this reason, Cut is given priority over Clarity, Colour and Carat Weight, however it takes an experienced eye to see the difference between a well proportioned diamond and a poorly cut stone. Consequently you should choose your retailer before you choose your diamond.
The Diamond Cut Grading System provides a standard system for consistently evaluating and documenting the cut quality of a standard round brilliant diamond from Excellent to Poor.
(Courtesy of GIA)
