There are several organizations that certify the quality of diamonds. Understanding who these certifiers are and their certification processes helps ensure you purchase a high-quality diamond.
The most reputable diamond certification and grading organizations are:
GIA Certified Diamonds
The Gemological Institute of America is the foremost authority on diamonds. In addition to their certification process, this organization is also known for creating the “4 C’s” of diamonds that is widely recognized as the important features to consider before purchase.
GIA is a not-for-profit organization and is the organization most often used by respected jewelers across the country for certifying diamonds.
AGS Certified Diamonds
The American Gemological Society is another organization that certifies diamonds. This is a highly respected organization, most widely known for its research into diamond color grades.
You can be confident in a diamond certified by AGS, though you are less likely to find large jewelers using this certification than the GIA certification.
IGI Certified Diamonds
The IGI is the International Gemological Institute. According to IGI, when they analyze a diamond, they follow a strict international standard when it comes to inspecting specific factors regarding the diamond.
They are the international standards for examining diamonds which means that it is not only based on criteria set in the United States of America but across the world. If you are looking to sell your diamond in the United Kingdom, an IGI diamond report will relate to their standards.
EGL Certified Diamonds
EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) is another certifying body you might see. Most reputable jewelers avoid EGL certified diamonds for a couple of reasons. The first is the price. EGL is a “for profit” organization, so the cost of having the diamond graded is greater than that of other organizations, ensuring that the same quality of diamond graded by another organization will cost you more if it was graded by EGL.
Also, EGL is known for grading diamonds on a less stringent scale, particularly in certain parts of the world, so your diamond may not actually be as perfect as stated.
Who Should Certify My Diamond?
It’s likely that you will not personally have your diamond certified. Instead, look for a certified diamond when shopping for diamond jewelry. Knowing which diamond certifiers are legitimate helps you get the best quality diamond for your money.
What Does the Certification Tell Me?
The diamond certification provides important details on the 4Cs – cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Ensure the certification number on your diamond matches the report to verify authenticity. Your certification does not assign a value to your diamond. For value, you need an appraisal.
