What is the difference between a certified diamond and an uncertified diamond?
Quite simply diamond certification is a document detailing all of a diamond’s characteristics including a unique identifying number for that diamond.
Each certified diamond has undergone assessment by trained diamond graders in controlled environments. There are several reputable laboratories worldwide but the most recognised is The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA has several diamond grading locations throughout the world in the main diamond centres.
When a diamond is sent to GIA it is graded by several graders who establish its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut grade. The process is highly standardised and exact. Carat weight is measured by scales while the cut grade is assessed by computer. Diamond clarity and colour are assessed by eye. To ensure consistency, any dispute or disagreement on diamond grading is referred to additional graders until a quality can be agreed.
Diamonds can be laser engraved where the certificate number is inscribed onto the girdle of the stone. This provides additional security, as a buyer can be sure that the certificate matches up to the stone and that their stone can be identified in the case of loss or theft.
GIA certificates give buyers peace of mind that their diamond is natural and untreated, and provides the specific 4 C’s (cut, clarify, colour and carat) for their stone. While certification is important, buyers should remember that this certificate could be valued at approximately $100-$300 depending on the size of the stone. That value reflects the effort required for certification, but also the additional security provided by an expert opinion.
It’s important to remember that the certificate is not the only factor to consider; it is just a supporting document. It’s critical to buy a diamond from a trusted source and with the qualifications to guide you on the best stone for your budget and needs.
At Grays our valuers are members of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV). The Estimated Replacement Value is the opinion of the valuer, the estimated cost of having the piece replaced based on the current market price of the stones and precious metal in the Australian market.
Each certified diamond has undergone assessment by trained diamond graders in controlled environments. There are several reputable laboratories worldwide but the most recognised is The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA has several diamond grading locations throughout the world in the main diamond centres.
When a diamond is sent to GIA it is graded by several graders who establish its carat weight, colour, clarity and cut grade. The process is highly standardised and exact. Carat weight is measured by scales while the cut grade is assessed by computer. Diamond clarity and colour are assessed by eye. To ensure consistency, any dispute or disagreement on diamond grading is referred to additional graders until a quality can be agreed.
Diamonds can be laser engraved where the certificate number is inscribed onto the girdle of the stone. This provides additional security, as a buyer can be sure that the certificate matches up to the stone and that their stone can be identified in the case of loss or theft.
GIA certificates give buyers peace of mind that their diamond is natural and untreated, and provides the specific 4 C’s (cut, clarify, colour and carat) for their stone. While certification is important, buyers should remember that this certificate could be valued at approximately $100-$300 depending on the size of the stone. That value reflects the effort required for certification, but also the additional security provided by an expert opinion.
It’s important to remember that the certificate is not the only factor to consider; it is just a supporting document. It’s critical to buy a diamond from a trusted source and with the qualifications to guide you on the best stone for your budget and needs.
At Grays our valuers are members of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV). The Estimated Replacement Value is the opinion of the valuer, the estimated cost of having the piece replaced based on the current market price of the stones and precious metal in the Australian market.