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There are various types of diamond certificates. The following are the most respected institutes. Click on each of the links under the description so that you can verify that your diamond certificate is real.

GIA

The Gemological Institute of America was actually the first group to develop an internationally accepted grading system. You know the 4 C’s?

Even prior to the EGL, GIA was the first to introduce a diamond grading report and set the standards for diamond grading worldwide. The company compiles reports on diamonds over 1 carat in size. What’s more, they are the group responsible for examining some of the world’s most famous gems. Each diamond screened with GIA comes with a complete report detailing the weight, cut, proportions, color grade and clarity.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) -- Sample Cert

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) -- Mini Sample Cert

EGL

The EGL (European Gemological Society) has really been the defining group in setting the standards and criteria for diamond grading. Their Diamond Certificate and Diamond Consultation offers diamond buyers a detailed report on the various aspects of the grading process. Their certificates are recognized worldwide and their client base includes craftsmen, wholesalers, dealers and manufacturers. However, the EGL does not sell diamonds and works independently from any diamond sales groups.

EGL (European Gemological Laboratories) -- Sample Cert

AGS

The American Gemological Society (also referred to as AGS laboratories) serves a wide variety of clients including jewelry wholesalers, diamond cutters, jewelers, and various manufacturers. Their grading report, referred to as the AGS Diamond Quality Document (DQD) offers a comprehensive report on the cut grade of round, brilliant cut diamonds. In addition their report covers all four aspects of the grading process including cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Their ratings are given on a scale from 1 to 10.

AGS (American Gemological Society) -- Sample Cert

IGI

The International Gemological Institute issues over 400,000 grading reports each year and their reports encompass three distinct areas including the Diamond Report, Identification Report, and the Information Appraisal Report. The diamond report helps ensure the diamond’s authenticity by providing information about weight, measurements, shape and cut, clarity, color and several other aspects of the gemstone. The identification report provides an enlarged photograph of the diamond to substantiate the information about proportions, measurements and the 4 C’s. Finally, the Appraisal report gives an estimate about the diamond’s replacement value expressly for insurance purposes.

IGI (International Gemological Institute) -- Sample Cert

Quality vs. Quantity

Diamonds are priced by their actual quality grade, according to the 4 Cs and 13 other factors explained in our How to Read a Certificate blog post. Unless you receive a diamond grading report (almost always called a "certificate") from a respected laboratory that has no financial interest in the diamond you are buying, you are certainly not getting the exact quality you wanted to buy.

For instance, a 1.00 carat, F/VS2 diamond with a certificate will always sell for $300 - $800 more than the same grade of diamond without a certificate. This is mostly because any dealer knows that a diamond quoted as F / VS-2 quality will usually be a G / SI-1 (one color grade less and one clarity grade less) if you sent it to one of the best independent labs for more accurate grading.

Small, local labs are often connected in some way with a store, so they tend to grade diamonds more favorably in order to help make the sale. The GIA, AGS and EGL labs are very conservative in their grading because they do not sell diamonds and do not receive any portion of diamond sales. A certificate from one of these labs is the best way to get the diamond you want and avoid paying an F color price for a G color quality.

Security During Repairs
People sometimes ask: "How can I be sure I will get the same diamond back when I have it cleaned or repaired at a jewelry store?" Though it is actually very rare that any jeweler would switch stones intentionally, accidents can sometimes happen in a busy store. The key is to have a certificate that maps your diamond's unique inclusions like a fingerprint that you can check in the store before you accept it back. Many of the labs also permanently laser inscribe the certificate number right on the girdle of the stone, where you can easily see it with a 10x jewelers' loupe. In either case, the rare jeweler that would intentionally switch a stone will just wait for an easier customer to swindle. A lab certificate gives you the best protection against these problems.

Greater Appreciation
A certificate enhances the appreciation of one of the most treasured gifts in the world. It adds dignity and confidence in your partner's eyes when she sees that you cared enough to buy the very best and have the papers to prove it.

Protect Your Investment
Although we rarely recommend diamonds as a true investment like stocks and bonds, a certificate makes it so much easier to sell a diamond when you want to trade up. Without it, many dealers will hesitate to buy an unknown quantity. You will have to get a certificate later if you ever do sell or trade up, so you might as well get a certificate now and enjoy all the other benefits in the meantime.

Potential diamond buyers should always check to ensure they will receive a diamond grading certificate with their diamond purchase. The importance of this certificate is to give buyers a detailed gemological analysis of the gemstone, compiled by a team of certified gemologists in a laboratory.

A certificate is an essential part of any diamond purchase and will ensure the buyer of both the quality and authenticity of the gemstone. Additionally, if you ever decide to resell your stone the certificate will allow you to receive a fair price. If you plan on insuring your diamond, a grading report is often a prerequisite. Most labs charge a relatively modest fee to undertake the certification process, and the price is based on carat weight.

While a certificate doesn’t necessarily enhance the value of your diamond, it’s an important essential when purchasing a diamond to procure a grading report. With a certificate, your diamond can never be undervalued or suspected of being inauthentic. If you’re interested in purchasing a diamond, make sure you receive a diamond grading report from one of the leading independent gemological labs to ensure your gem’s authenticity and protect your investment.

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