Getting Your Diamond Certified

Questions Related to Diamond Certification

• What is it?
  The diamond certification, also known as a Diamond Grading Report is an official evaluation of the various distinctive attributes of a diamond. Each diamond contains its own set of unique attributes that is comprised of its measurements, color, clarity, symmetry and other features. The Diamond Grading Report provides a certified analysis of the distinctive features of the loose diamond. The Diamond Grading Reports include an exclusive Report Number and unique Security Features such as holograms and watermarks to prevent fraud and duplication.
• Why get one?
  The certificate serves as a unique identifier for the diamond and as a testimony to its quality and authenticity. Getting a diamond without a certificate makes future identification of the diamond (in cases of loss or theft) virtually impossible.
• Who certifies diamonds?
  Today's industry leaders in diamond grading reports include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS) the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), and the International Gemological Institute (IGI). The grading organizations employ certified gemologists and certified diamond graders to carry out thorough and consistent laboratory examinations of the diamonds that they evaluate.

The Gemological Institute of America - GIA

The GIA is a U.S.-based non-for-profit organization that introduced diamond certification to the industry in the 1950's. Since that time the GIA's International Diamond Grading System has become one of the world's most highly regarded standards for diamond assessment. The GIA's two most commonly issued documents are the Diamond Grading Report and the Diamond Dossier.

European Gemological Laboratories - EGL

The European Gemological Laboratories (EGL) was founded in 1974 as an international network of gemological laboratories, until it split into two separate entities: EGL USA and E.G.L International.

E.G.L. International

E.G.L . International has laboratories all over the world in London, Paris, Antwerp, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Johannesburg. E.G.L International maintains a worldwide presence in the major diamond trading centers, cooperates with leading organizations including the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and runs an extensive educational program as part of its dedication to protecting public interest and raising the level of professionalism in the field. E.G.L international is ISO 9001:2000 certified and its certificates are recognized around the globe. The organization follows industry standards in evaluation and appraisal and runs numerous educational gemological programs.

EGL USA

EGL USA has been offering reliable gemstone identification and certification for over 25 years. In 1986 EGL USA became independently owned and was no longer affiliated with any other EGL laboratory outside of North America. EGL USA is headquartered at the World Diamond Tower in the heart of New York City's Diamond District. It has three other North America laboratories in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto.

American Gem Society Laboratories

The AGS is an internationally recognized American-based gemological laboratory dedicated to upholding some of the highest grading standards in the diamond industry. The AGS offers several reports, including a Diamond Quality Document and a Diamond Quality Certificate. These reports are a testament to the authenticity of the diamond's color, carat weight, clarity and cut. AGS uses a 0-10 grading system for rating cut where a 0 cut is considered to be an AGS Ideal.

The International Gemological Institute - IGI

Established in 1975, The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the largest independent larboratory in the world. IGI maintains offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur, Surat, Chennai and Shanghai . The IGI School of Gemology operates from Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai and Cavalese, offering a variety of courses designed for professionals and consumer enthusiasts alike. The IGI issues more than one million diamond reports per year.