The certification of a diamond is an important aspect to consider when choosing a diamond. Every diamond has a unique “imprint” and charcteristics that gives each stone a different personality. There are various gemological laboratories which prepare certifications outlining the characteristics of a diamond. However, different organisations have their own scientific guidelines on how to grade a diamond, thus grades may fluctuate from organisation to organisation. Where the grading of a diamond comes from can greatly reflect its overall quality and price.

Every characteristic and dimension that a loose diamond has is observed very closely before it is officially placed on the market. The main attributes that are studied are widely known throughout the gemological industry including the four C’s:  Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat. Any flaws are noted and charted on a diagram as the stone is officially graded to help reflect its overall value to the public.

There are many fairly well-known gemological laboratories. Despite having their own grading systems, these organisations are respected around the world.

• GIA (Gemmological Institute of America)
• AGS (American Gemmological Society)
• HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant a.k.a. Diamond High Council)
• EGL (European Gemmological Institute)
• IGI (International Gemmological Institute)

 

The organisation that is held in the highest respect is the GIA. GIA set the criterion for grading diamonds in which the industry has adopted, thus GIA certificates are the most recognised and highly regarded in the market. You can gain greater comfort that the price of a GIA certified diamond reflects its value knowing that all the flaws were uncovered in vivid and minute detail. GIA is known to be the paramount gemological laboratory in the world.

AGS seems to run parallel regarding the grading standards of the GIA. The AGS established a grading for the “cut” of a diamond that the GIA has adopted for their own criteria.

HRD (based in Antwerp, Belgium) is also quickly becoming one of the most highly valued gemological laboratories in the world.

Other gemological laboratories such as the EGL and IGI are also gaining respect in the market. Even though they indeed do fine work with grading their gems, it is not as strict as the GIA or AGS. In fact, their grades tend to be “a couple of slots” higher than the other laboratories - normally, “one slot higher when it comes to clarity” and “two slots higher when it comes to colour”. As a result, stones holding EGL and IGI certificates have a slightly lower value compared to GIA and AGS certificates.

Thus, it is important to understand where a diamond certificate comes from. Our consultants at Daniella are highly trained and hold GIA certificates in diamond grading. We are available to provide you with an obligation-free consultation and assist you with finding the perfect diamond for that “perfect person” in your life.