Loose Diamonds and Certificates

Loose diamonds are those there are not pre-set in a ring or any other form of jewelry. There are two types of diamond certifications for loose diamonds - Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGA) Certified Diamonds.

A certificate is an important document giving you the diamond's exact measurement, weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It also lists all the unique characteristics of the stone and is the proof of the diamond's identity and value. Get more information on the cut and quality on diamond cut.

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.

Although there are several diamond labs that issue certificates, the Gemological Institute of America and the American Gem Society are the two most recognized and respected diamond grading labs in the world and are reputed for demonstrating their commitment to a high quality standard for diamonds.

In the event that you are not buying a GIA or AGS certified diamonds, it is recommended that you ask for the credentials of the certifying lab. This is because different labs have different grading standards. In fact some labs are not so strict in their grading and may tend to pass off medium quality diamonds as high.

Always insist on a certificate while buying a diamond Online. Shopping for certified diamonds allows you to make an informed choice when comparing and buying. You can compare one diamond with a particular weight and quality with other diamonds of similar weight and quality to determine which are the most valuable.