Diamond Certificates
Posted by: | CommentsBottom Line Recommendation: Some labs are more strict, and some are more loose. All that matters, though, is that you pay the right price for the diamond you are buying. If you are buying online blind (using James Allen’s cutting edge diamond viewing tool is very much recommended), then stick with the GIA which is the most consistent lab available. I have personally witnessed numerous gross mistakes by each major gemological lab (yes, including the GIA).
When you’re a big diamond company, and you’re sending thousands of stones a month to a lab, 5% inconsistency isn’t such a big deal. But as a consumer, why risk being stuck with that 5%? Just always keep in mind that you are buying a diamond, not a piece of paper.
When choosing a diamond, the reliability of the color and clarity grades (and in some instances the cut grades) is only as good as the certifying gem lab’s reputation. But there’s one important thing to remember, the only thing that really matters when discussing different labs is not how strict they are, but how consistent they are. If one lab consistently offers a single color upgrade over another lab, then that lab is by no means less “authentic.” All diamond grading is subjective, and contrary to popular belief, there is no one central organization to define mathematically what a “G” color is or what an “SI1” clarity looks like. So if one lab will consistently call one color grade “G” while another lab will consistently call that same color “H”, it’s perfectly acceptable and reasonable — as long as they do so consistently. You, as a consumer, though, need to remember one more very important thing: the price needs to be right for the diamond, regardless of the accompanying certificate.
Also, it is important to realize that every lab has its quirks. Some are looser in color. Some are looser in clarity. Some will always upgrade specific color ranges, while others favor particular arrangements of inclusions. Smart diamond companies use this knowledge (gained from sending thousands of diamonds a month to different labs) to maximize their results.
Click on the images below to read about different specific labs.
If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below. I will usually respond within 24 hours.
Hi,
My son is looking at a 1 carat round diamond. It is either a G or H in Color and the Clarity is a VS1; however it is not GIA certified. Does this mean he is not getting a good quality diamond.
Thanks,Mary.
Not necessarily. It just means it’s very likely he’s going to overpay.
I appreciate your quick reply.
Hi, I was reading all the comments and decided to submit a question that struck my mind recently: “If a diamond lasts forever, does time increase the value?”. And I ask this because my fiancee and I have a diamond ring. It was passed down from her great grandmother, to her mother, and than to her. Sadly our certification was lost in a house fire. According to my fiancee it is believed that this ring has been smuggled through the Holocaust. If so, my question remains…
Diamonds have historically increased in value. But don’t forget that there’s inflation as well. The real increase in value of diamonds historically speaking is less than other asset classes.
Are all diamonds registered? As if they have been inscripted for time measurement?
Hi,
I have been offered a price of US$19,000 for 1.68 carat, G, VVS2, XXX, nil flourescence with IGI certificate. My concern is the certificate. I did a litte research on the internet and discovered that a stone with same specs but with GIA certificate is about $2000 to $3000 more. My budget is not really more than $17,000. What do you suggest I do?
Thanks in advance,
Irfan
Hi Mike. You shouldn’t go for the stone because a VVS2 is a waste of money. Something like one of these would be a much smarter buy:
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1430047.asp
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1384437.asp
Hi,
Im trying to decide between an oval or a round shaped diamond to go on a potential 4.5 solitaire setting (14K gold – $625). My budget is $5k. I was offered at a retail store:
1)1.06 Ct Oval diamond with GIA cert – E color – SI2 clarity – with 56 Table and 63.3 depth for $4430.
2) 0.9 Ct Round with GIA – G color – SI1 Clarity with 65 table and 60 depth for $5550.
3) 1.01 Ct Round with IGI cert – E color – I1 clarity
It is an engagement ring and I wonder what the difference is between the round and oval. My girlfriend is a size 4.5 with a smaller frame. Please let me know what you think and also your suggestions on alternates are welcome as well.
Thanks
John
P.S: Thanks for all your help
Hi John. As far as the question of round vs oval goes, I can’t really help you there. That’s 100% a personal decision of taste and style. As for the diamonds themselves, you can’t judge an oval on numbers alone. I’d need to see a picture.
As for stone #2, the table is really big. 65% is a really large table. And regarding the 3rd stone, an IGI I1 is pretty low clarity, so it’ll probably have eye visible inclusions.
Wow…thank you for getting back to me right away. Yeah I agree the Oval or round is a personal preference. Is there a column on your website that will help me decide on the shape and also what to look for in an Oval. Just like everyone I want the biggest baddest stone for my money.
Im currently looking at your $5000 suggestions.
Thanks
John
There’s nothing I could write about to help you choose the shape – it’s purely what speaks to you.
No matter what shape you choose, please feel free to contact us and tell us your budget and we’ll send you suggestions for you based on your needs. The best way to do this is not through the comments, because they everyone will see what we suggest to you. The best thing to do us use the “contact us” form in the black menu bar above.
Do you know anything about Anchor certification from he UK Birmingham assay office, and its reliability in comparison to GIA with regard to color /clarity etc
Unfortunately, I dont. Sorry!
Hi,
I have a diamond bracelet.It was a gift from my ex boyfriend,but I don’t want to keep it as we broke up few years ago.I don’t have a cert about the bracelet.Would it cause any problem without certificate to sell it?
Please help!
Nicole
Not a problem. Bracelets are rarely certified.