Diamond Certification

A diamond certificate is proof of the attributes of a diamond. It enlists the specific characteristics of the diamond like colour, clarity, cut and carat. It is also called the grading report and is provided with the purchase of any diamond jewellery that you buy. These reports are prepared by independent, certified gemologists from laboratories around the world.

A diamond grading report will commonly include a plotted diagram of your diamond and significant characteristics like cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The report will also describe the diamond’s exact measurements, proportions depth percentages as well as the polish and symmetry. It will also mention if the diamond has any imperfections. It is important to remember that a grading report or certification is not an appraisal, only a report stating the scientific facts and attributes of a diamond. It assures you of the authenticity and quality of your diamond.

Some well-known organizations that provide grading reports include the American Gemological Society (AGS), Diamond High Council (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant; HRD), European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to name a few. Your local jeweller can help aid you in acquiring a grading report through one of these labs either at the time of purchase or after.

Many people mistake a certificate for an appraisal, which it is not. While a certificate describes the quality of the diamond with its characteristics, an appraisal places a monetary value on the diamond. While insuring your diamonds you may be required to present the diamond certification and appraisal to the insurance company.