THE 4CS OF DIAMONDS
THE 4Cs OF DIAMONDS
CHAPTER 3
What is a Laboratory Certificate and why are they so important? Often they are confused with an insurance appraisal. While some of the information needed for an insurance appraisal is found on a laboratory certificate they are two entirely different things.
A laboratory certificate is prepared by a gemological trade lab as an unbiased third party expert grade of a specific diamond.
An appraisal, on the other hand, is usually prepared by the company that sold the diamond and is intended for use of its owner’s insurance company in the event of theft, loss or damage.
LABORATORY CERTIFICATE
Anglo Diamond recognizes only the most rigorous, strict gemological laboratory reports available today. The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) established by Robert Shipley in 1931 tops that short list of expert certifiers that are trusted throughout the diamond and jewelry industries.
They utilize scientific instruments along with the keen eye of unbiased gemologists to analyze the attributes of a specific stone. Their measurements on cut, color, clarity, and carat-weight are listed in a certificate documenting the important criteria of each diamond that they grade. This GIA report serves as a testament to the quality and value of a diamond, which is why stones graded by less respected, more lenient laboratories are generally priced at discounts from their GIA certified counterparts. In addition to establishing grading standards and creating the tools of the trade, the GIA has also undertaken the duty of promoting ethical sourcing and mining practices and encouraging consumer diamond education. The GIA goal has remained unchanged since its inception and is evident in their mission statement, “Ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services and instrument development." In today’s truly globalized diamond and jewelry market the GIA maintains a presence in every major gem and jewelry center around the world. Its footprints are found in 14 countries with 12 campuses, 9 laboratories, 4 research centers, and highly trained graders versed in their stringent evaluation practices.
The Expert’s Recommendation: Every jeweler has their own opinion, some are trustworthy and others are not. However, when buying a diamond engagement ring you should place your trust in the unbiased diamond graders at the GIA. Every jeweler understands the value of a GIA laboratory certificate whether they admit it to the customer or not, so DO NOT COMPROMISE!
