Your Diamond Jewelry Certificate

One of the most unique features of your diamond jewelry is the individual certificate of identity called the diamond grading certificate. Like people {and some pet animals} - your stone’s authenticity and individuality is officially confirmed with this certificate.

This is actually a report given by an independent gemological laboratory. There are a number of gemological laboratories which hand out these certificates.

However - only a few are respected by the whole diamond industry. The most well-known are the European Gemological Laboratories {EGL} and the Gemological Institute of America {GIA}.

Individual stones

Each diamond is unique. This individual evaluation is strictly for the diamond’s quality - not its value.

The certificate maps out inclusions {imperfections} - which are hand-drawn. This authenticates the diamond’s unique identity - since no two stones are exactly alike.

Certificate details

The first information {alongside the issue date of the report} is the Stone ID. This is a unique number assigned to your diamond and registered in a global database.

Next listed is the diamond’s cut and shape. If the shape is different from the standard round brilliant - it is called a fancy shape.

The dimensions are listed down as “largest diameter – smallest diameter X depth” for the round shapes. The others are listed as “length X width X depth”.

The weight is listed in carats - the standard unit of weights used for gemstones. {One carat is 200 milligrams.}

The grain lines reflect irregularities in the crystal structure. These are reported as colorless - white - colored or reflective.

The angles and measurements of the diamond that determine its optical properties are duly noted. Table size - crown angle and pavilion depth affect the stone’s appearance.

The certificate indicates the thickness of the girdle {the outside edge of the stone} relative to the diamond’s size - and whether it is polished or faceted.

The culet {the stone’s bottom point} is listed either faceted or not. If faceted - it is noted relative to the size of the stone.

The grades of the diamond’s finish and polish are noted and described including the symmetry. Color is graded - too - from D {colorless} all the way to Z {yellow}.

Symmetry is the arrangement of the stone’s facets {surfaces} and finished angles. Grading reports describe them accordingly - whether they are excellent - very good - good - fair or poor.

The cut is listed as well as the quality of the stone’s clarity. The clarity is the absence of inclusions {blemishes} and graded from “flawless” to “included” based on the size - nature - position and quantity of the inclusions.

The certificate also notes the pavilion depth {distance from the girdle to the culet} which affects brilliance. Deviations from the Tolkowsky ideal cut are also carefully documented.

Most diamonds “fluoresce” {showing whitish - yellowish - or bluish tint} when exposed to ultraviolet light. They are only stated in the report - not graded.

Finally - there is a diagram on the certificate that approximates the shape and cut of the diamond. It has markings {in symbols} that include the type - nature - position - and approximate size of a clarity characteristic.

Gem quality

Coming from a leading gemological laboratory {the EGL mark appears under ultraviolet light} - the certificate will ensure that your diamond jewelry has the quality you paid for. Do your diamonds have certificates?