When shopping, it is important to understand the quality and value of whatever you are buying. Not only is being knowledgable about the product useful, it also helps ensure you are getting a legitimate item. When it comes to buying diamonds, there are many different ways to determine the quality of the diamond itself. One way to guarantee you are getting a quality diamond is buying certified diamonds. However, diamond certification itself ranges in quality. While there are many respectable diamond certification labs, GIA has the most stringent standards. This ensures that GIA certified diamonds are of the highest possible quality and value.
What Is The GIA?
The Gemological Institute of America, better known as GIA, was founded in 1931. The mission of the organization is to ensure the highest quality standards are used in evaluating gemstones, including diamonds. This helps protect both consumers and sellers. In addition to setting diamond grading standards, the GIA also researches diamonds and techniques. Through this ever expanding education, the GIA leads the way in the study and evaluation of diamonds. In addition to setting standards and continued research, the Gemological Institute of America also educates gemologists. These certified gemologists work independently of retailers to evaluate GIA certified diamonds.
In 1953, the GIA developed the International Diamond Grading System. This system is commonly referred to as the Four C’s: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Headquartered in California, the GIA operates in 13 countries around the globe
What Are The Grading Standards?
To ensure the quality of the diamonds, the GIA uses their grading system to evaluate diamonds. This evaluation looks at the quality of the cut, the clairy and color, as well as the diamond’s carat weight. After inspection by a GIA certified gemologist, a report on the diamond’s quality is written. This report is available in multiple formats, but the primary two are known as the Diamond Grading Report and the Diamond Dossier. While there are a number of differences between the two reports, both reports define the Four C’s of every diamond.
Diamond Dossiers vs Diamond Reports
The GIA uses Diamond Dossiers for color diamonds in the range of D to Z weighing between 0.15 and 1.99 carats. The dossier also includes a microscopic laser inscription of the GIA report number for easy identification. On the other hand, a Diamond Report does not include laser inscription. However, a plotted diagram of the diamond’s clarity characteristics and a graphic representation of the diamond’s proportions are included. This shows a map of the diamond’s inclusions and helps jewelers and jewelry appraisers identify GIA certified diamonds.
A sample GIA Diamond Dossier
Diamonds sold by Adiamor are accompanied by their original diamond certificate. This ensures every diamond we sell is legitimate and of the highest quality. Please visit our diamond education center for more information on diamond certificates.
