Diamond certificate

Diamonds over 0.25 ct come with a certificate issued by a third party. This kind of diamond certificate is issued by independent organizations like GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), AGSL (American Gem Society Laboratories) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Gemologists at these institutes work in laboratories and determine the diamonds’ shape, cut, proportions, symmetry, color, dimensions and carat.

Common diamond certificates

AGSL is one of the most highly respected organizations issuing diamond certificates. They call it the Diamond Quality Document. In this document they describe the cut, color, and clarity on a scale of 0 to 10 where 0 indicates the most desired diamonds.

The following characteristics are described in the reports Shape and cut Describes the diamond’s shape and type of cut. Dimensions All dimensions of diamonds are given in millimeters. Cut The cut is evaluated between 0 and 10 where 0 is the highest grade. Three things are crucial for the grading: How the diamond reflects light when seen from above, its proportions and the final finishing. Final polishing The evaluation of the diamond’s surface. Symmetry The evaluation of facets in relation to shape. Color Color is evaluated between 0 (D) and 10 (Z) where 0 is the highest grade. Clarity Clarity is evaluated between 0 (FL/IF) and 10 (I3). Carat Carat is evaluated up to three decimal places. Other comments Other comments can even include supplementary comments on the diamond’s clarity. Picture, Proportions A picture describing the diamond’s proportions. Picture, Clarity A picture showing type, size and position of the inclusions.

GIA is probably the most renowned institute for grading diamonds. They draw up two different kinds of reports. Stones weighing less than 1 carat come with a Diamond Dossier®. Diamonds over 1 carat come with a Diamond Grading Report.

The following characteristics are described in the reports Shape and cut Describes the diamond’s shape and type of cut. Dimensions All dimensions of the diamond are given in millimeters. Carat Carat is evaluated up to three decimal places. Color Color is evaluated between D and Z where D is the highest grade. Cut The cut is evaluated and written on the certificates issued after January 01, 2006. Finishing The evaluation of the position of the facets and the surface. Final polishing The evaluation of the diamond’s surface. Symmetry The evaluation of facets in relation to shape. Fluoridation Color and intensity of color is evaluated in ultraviolet light. Clarity Clarity is evaluated between FL/IF and I3. Other comments Other comments can even include supplementary comments on the diamond’s clarity. Picture, Clarity A picture showing type, size and position of the inclusions. Picture, Proportions A picture describing the diamond’s proportions.

EGL is also one of the most highly renowned and often contracted organizations issuing diamond certificates.

The following characteristics are described in the reports Shape and cut Describes the diamond’s shape and type of cut. Dimensions All dimensions of the diamond are given in millimeters. Carat Carat is evaluated up to three decimal places. Color Color is evaluated between D and Z where D is the highest grade. Clarity Clarity is evaluated between FL/IF and I3. Fluoridation Color and intensity of color is evaluated in ultraviolet light. Finishing The evaluation of the position of the facets and the surface. Final polishing The evaluation of the diamond’s surface. Symmetry The evaluation of facets in relation to shape. Other comments Other comments can even include supplementary comments on the diamond’s clarity.