You don’t buy diamonds every day, do you? So, before you embark on your diamond jewelry shopping journey, do your research well. Diamonds are not for impulsive buyers. If you love a diamond set, don’t make the mistake of buying it instantly. If you do so, you might end up regretting it later. Buying certified diamonds has multiple advantages. The certificate not only testifies that the diamonds purchased by you are genuine; they also give you the idea of the actual worth of the stones.
The Four Cs
As a diamond buyer, you are probably aware of the 4C’s (cut, clarity, color, and carat) associated with the diamond buying process. But, do you know of another important C, which is in fact, is the most important one? This 5th C is the certification of the diamond. With a certified diamond, you can rest assured that you have bought a genuine piece of jewelry.
Certificate: The Ultimate Credential for your Diamonds
You might wonder why to bother about certification when there’s hardly any difference in the look of a certified diamond and a non-certified one. For all buyers like you, this certificate acts as a credential that you are rightly paying for the superior quality of the diamond, just as your jeweler may have promised you.
Certified Diamonds: Identity of Diamond
A diamond certificate, which is also called the grading report, provides complete information of any given diamond. This information is related to the value, quality, cut, etc. of the diamond in question. Basically, a certified diamond has an identity of sorts. With a certificate in place, you can easily get a replacement for your diamond, in case you lose it or if it’s stolen.
The Process of Evaluation of your Diamond
In a lab, geologists use hi-tech instruments to measure and evaluate the 4C’s of a diamond. Each and every diamond is examined for its symmetry, color and polish. Based on the study, an unbiased certificate for the diamond is made. The laboratory plays a big role in the accuracy of the diamond certificate.
In fact, many times, the same lab may provide varying levels of information about a particular diamond. However, a standard certificate has detailed pictures of the diamond -top views, side views, and details about its cut, color, angles, and grade. If the diamond is a laser treated one, the same will be mentioned in the report.
Thus you see, without a certificate, you will never know if your diamond is a treated one, or not.
Warranty and their Importance
Don’t confuse warranty with a certificate. Warranty is different from a certificate. Your diamond jewelry might come with a warranty card, or you could buy one. The warranty covers the defects in the diamond or in the manufacturing of the jewelry set. Since diamonds are forever, with a warranty in place, you can be assured of the goodness of your diamond jewelry!
For instance, if your diamond ring has an unusual cut, or is mounted in a risky way, it may chip off over time. If the rings are covered by a warranty, you can get your precious jewelry fixed from the store from where you may have purchased the same. On the other hand, a certificate provides a peep into the authenticity of the diamonds studded with your piece of jewelry. When you give your diamonds (under a warranty) for repairs, don’t forget to get your ring cleaned and polished too.
Resell your Diamonds
Certified diamonds are definitely a better investment than the non-certified ones because they are easy to sell in future. As a certificate is the characteristic documentation of the diamond that you may plan to resell, later on, it is essential that you preserve it all times. So, when you give the certificate at the time of selling, it will attest the actual worth of the diamond. Without a certificate, you may not get buyers for your diamond, easily. Now that you are aware of the significance of diamond certification, always buy your diamonds from a reliable source that gives you authentic certificates and warranties.
Certified Diamonds – How Important is it?
Choosing a diamond for the very first time – especially for a loved one – can prove to be an overwhelming affair. This is where GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certifications come to your rescue and guide you on your way forward. GIA, the most respected and largest nonprofit institute linked with gemological learning and research, globally, issues certifications that provide for the authentication of diamonds. Also referred to as grading reports, these certificates play a significant role in the evaluation and purchase of diamonds.
As important for the seller, as well as you, a diamond certificate makes you attain more peace of mind and gives a feeling of security of getting back your money’s worth. As far as the jeweler is concerned, these certificates eliminate the mystery behind the grading of uncertified stones.
Overall, certified diamonds are secure and build a strong relationship between you and the jeweler.
A Closer Look at Diamond Certificates
With the above information in view, it really becomes important for you to understand all that’s linked with a diamond certificate. This diamond grading report offers complete information regarding a diamond. In general, it provides a good look at all the factors that determine the value, beauty, durability, and quality of a diamond that’s up for sale. After verifying the identity of a diamond, it confirms the same too.
The certificate also comes in handy in case you want your insurance company to gauge the value of, and help you with the monetary worth of a lost or stolen diamond.
Laboratories Responsible for Providing Accurate Certificates
The accuracy of the certification of the diamonds purchased by you is obviously dependent on the laboratory that’s responsible for grading or certifying the same.
In the USA, it’s the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory that’s considered as the top-most authority in the field of diamond grading. With the most accurate measurements and grading systems in place, this Institution enables consumers to differentiate between a poorly cut diamond, and a well-cut diamond, with greater convenience and ease.
There are other laboratories in the fray too. These include and are not limited to the European Gemological Laboratories as well as International Gemological Institute, along with other local gem laboratories. The popular European laboratories include The Belgian Diamond High Council (H.R.D.) based in Antwerp and the Popular Gubelin Labs in Switzerland.
Be safe with diamonds, ask for a certification!