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Consumer Guide to Diamonds
Diamond Certification
You are probably wondering what a diamond certificate is right?
It is simply a statement that supports the value of your diamond. You should research whether a broker is willing to provide you with a certificate certifying the authenticity of any diamond you plan to buy. This is especially the case if you plan to make a large purchase. If you have a certificate you can guarantee the value of your diamond at the time of purchase.
An independent laboratory that uses several different instruments to evaluate the quality of a diamond can issue a certificate. Some jewelers and brokers also provide their own certification. Many prefer certification from an outside source because they are more likely to provide an objective and unbiased evaluation of the quality of the diamond. It is important that a diamond is evaluated properly so the price can be justified. The most well-known diamonds laboratory is GIA.
How do you go about getting a certificate?
You can simply ask the vendor to send your diamond to an independent laboratory for evaluation. Most jewelers will happily to this at request. You should also evaluate any diamond certificate a jeweler present to you. Here are some things to look for :
- Name of the Lab - you want to know the name of the lab evaluating your diamond. If you are not familiar with the laboratory, call them and check it out. One thing you can ask is what standards they use to evaluate their gems. Most laboratories' that are legitimate will gladly provide you with any information you need to verify their authority.
- Number - every certificate generated should contain a number uniquely identifying your diamond. Most labs keep a copy of your certificate on hand. This also allows the lab to reissue a certificate to you if you loose yours.
- Cut and shape - most certificates should include the type of shape and cut a diamond has. This may include 'round brilliant' for example.
- Size - the certificate will tell how many carats the diamond is worth. Usually this is measured to a fraction of a degree, like .51 carat.
- Measurements - this refers to the diameter of the diamond or how wide the diamond is.
- Depth - the certifying authority will also present the depth and table measurement of the diamond. This tells you how well your diamond is cut.
- Girdle - this refers to the line that divides the top of the stone and the bottom of the diamond. A girdle can be thin and thick. Usually the girdle is expressed in terms of a range.
- Cutlet - if there is a cutlet, which is nothing more than a facet located on the bottom of the diamond. It can help prevent the diamond from chipping.
- Polish and Symmetry - the lab will also report on the polish and symmetry of your diamond. It may report on how well the diamond facets are placed. The more symmetrical the better your diamond appears.
- Clarity - the certificate should confirm the clarity or number of irregularities and inclusions in the diamond. Remember clarity is usually expressed in terms of VVSI, VVS2 and so on.
- Color - The certificate will rate the color of your diamond from A-Z.
- Fluorescence - the certificate will state the color when presented under UV light and report whether or not fluorescence is present.
- Comments - here the certificate may include a description of any other defining characteristics for a diamond that may not be included in the above categories.
While you don’t necessarily need a certificate, it certainly provides peace of mind when making a big purchase. A certificate will also help authenticate your gem if you plan to pass it on from generation to generation. You can usually ask for a certificate up front. Most brokers will have them readily available for expensive pieces.
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Consumer Guide to Diamonds
"Visit our Diamonds consumers guide to learn all about the history of diamonds, shapes, 4 C's, certification, appraisal, care and finding a broker."
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