We all know that when you buy a diamond, it comes with a certificate . However, few people have really thought about what is written in the certificate and why it is necessary in the first place.
This time, we will explain about the appraisal certificate that comes with the purchase of diamond jewelry, as well as the necessity and importance of it, and what to do if you lose it .
1. Diamond certificate
1.1 Details of the certificate
A diamond certificate is a document issued by a professional gemological laboratory that details the characteristics and quality of a diamond. Generally, a certificate contains the following information:
■ Stone Shape (Shape and Cutting Style) : The shape and cutting style of the stone are described.
■ Carat Weight : The weight of the diamond is indicated in carats (ct).
■ Color (Color Grade) : The diamond's color grade is indicated.
■ Clarity Grade : The clarity grade indicates the degree of inclusions and defects inside the diamond.
■ Cut Grade : The cut grade is determined based on the symmetry of the cut, brilliance, etc.
The above four items, carat, color, clarity, and cut, are the standards for evaluating the quality of diamonds, known as the 4Cs. If you would like to know more about the 4Cs, please see this page .
1.2 The need for diamond certification
A diamond certificate is an important document for the buyer or owner. Here are four points to explain why a certificate is necessary:
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Quality assurance
The certificate provides detailed information about the quality of the diamond, which is your guarantee of its quality. -
Value Confirmation
A certificate tells you the exact characteristics of your diamond, so you know exactly what its market value is and can buy or sell it at a fair price. -
Insurance purposes
If you are buying a valuable diamond, you may need a certificate to insure it, which will detail the diamond's characteristics and allow the insurance company to evaluate it. -
Reliability when selling or reselling
When selling or reselling a diamond, having a certificate attached increases its credibility. Buyers can check the quality and value of the diamond based on the certificate and can make the transaction with peace of mind.
1.3 Diamonds without certificates
Small diamonds and low grade diamonds may not come with a certificate. This is because the appraisal fee is higher than the price of the diamond. If you are purchasing important jewelry such as an engagement ring or a keepsake, we recommend that you choose one with a certificate.
2. Certificate issuing authority
As explained above, a certificate is issued by a specialized gemological laboratory. These laboratories and experts have the diamond expertise and equipment to accurately evaluate the quality and characteristics of a diamond. Some of the major diamond grading laboratories include:
2.1 Internationally-recognized appraisal organization
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
GIA is one of the most trusted gemological institutions in the world and issues many diamond certificates. GIA certificates are internationally recognized and widely trusted in the market .
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
IGI is also one of the world's leading gemological appraisal institutions and issues appraisal certificates for diamonds. It currently holds the top share in the world for the appraisal of lab-grown diamonds , and is the second largest in the world after GIA for the appraisal of natural diamonds.
2.2 Appraisal bodies in Japan
CGL Central Gem Laboratory is a leading gem identification institute in Japan. However, it is important to note that they are not subject to evaluation in the global market.
3. Difference between appraisal and identification certificates
So far, we have explained about diamond appraisal certificates, but we would like to touch on identification certificates here as well. Although appraisal certificates and identification certificates have similar names, their purposes are completely different.
As explained above, a certificate of appraisal describes the characteristics of a diamond and guarantees its quality, whereas a certificate of identification is a guarantee of the gemstone that states whether the mineral examined is a gemstone or what type of gemstone it is . Therefore, it is issued for gemstones other than diamonds as well.
The identification certificate lists the mineral name, gemstone name (e.g. ruby), whether it is natural or artificial, etc., but does not evaluate the grade. Unlike a certificate of appraisal , it does not guarantee the quality or value, but only guarantees that it is a gemstone .
4. What to do if you lose your diamond certificate
A certificate can be requested by individuals from a gemological institute .
However, you must remove the diamond from its setting and submit it as a loose stone, not as jewelry. Therefore, be sure to remove the diamond from its setting beforehand at a jewelry reform store or similar. Also, the appraisal fee and time required for appraisal vary by gem appraisal institution, so you should check in advance.
5. Summary
This time we explained what a diamond appraisal certificate is, its necessity and importance.
The certificate is an important document that guarantees the quality of the diamond and confirms its value, so keep it in a safe place . In particular, when purchasing diamond jewelry, you should check whether it comes with a certificate and which institution has issued the certificate before purchasing.
At DIALLURE, our center stones are certified by GIA or IGI, two internationally acclaimed gemological institutes.
