A Diamantaire’s Guide To The Importance of Buying Certified Diamonds

With many claims of authenticity in the diamond industry, finding genuine and trustworthy certified diamonds is paramount.

 

Amidst the glitz and glamour, it is essential to identify the authoritativeness. As buyers, we are responsible for ensuring that the diamonds we purchase come from trusted and ethical sources. We must distinguish between genuine and fake to receive this validation.

 

Diamond certifications by renowned gemological industries act as trust indicators, guaranteeing the excellence and reliability of our diamonds.

 

 

Understanding Certified Diamonds

 

Certified diamonds undergo a meticulous evaluation process by independent gemological laboratories. These assessments result in detailed reports known as diamond certificates or grading reports. These reports provide an in-depth analysis of a diamond’s attributes, offering crucial information to buyers and sellers.

 

The 4Cs: A Precise Evaluation

 

Certification primarily revolves around the 4Cs of diamonds: Carat weight, Cut quality, Colour grade, and Clarity grade. These parameters are carefully examined and graded to determine the diamond’s quality and value.

 

Why Certified Diamonds?

 

The Assurance of Quality

 

Certified diamonds come with a monogram of approval from reputable gemological laboratories. These certifications guarantee that the diamond meets strict quality standards.

 

This assurance of quality and authenticity extends to various aspects, including the diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. When you buy a certified diamond, you can be confident that you are investing in a genuine, high-quality gem.

 

Ethical Sourcing

 

Diamond certifications often come with a detailed history of their sourcing. Many certificates provide information about the diamond’s origin, ensuring it is ethically and responsibly mined. This transparency is essential for those who want to make a socially responsible and ethical purchase.

 

Accurate Valuation

 

Certified diamonds have a precise evaluation of their attributes, which aids in determining their market value accurately. Whether buying diamonds for personal use or as an investment, knowing the exact value of the gem is valuable. 

 

Easy Comparison

 

With certificates, comparing one diamond to another becomes straightforward. The detailed information in the certification allows you to assess different diamonds objectively. This ease of comparison entrusts you to decide and select the perfect diamond for your needs.

 

GIA certified diamonds in India

Secure Investment

 

Investors frequently view diamonds as assets. When buying a certified diamond, you acquire a beautiful gem and a secure investment. The certification guarantees the diamond’s authenticity and purity, ensuring your investment retains its value over time.

 

Simplified Insurance

 

Insuring your diamond becomes hassle-free with certification. Insurance companies typically require documentation of the diamond’s quality and value. Diamond certification comes with the necessary paperwork, making securing insurance coverage and protecting your investment more manageable.

 

Enhanced Resale Value

 

Diamonds with certificates hold better resale value because potential buyers can trust the documented quality and authenticity. It makes it easier to find a buyer and negotiate a fair price.

 

Industry Recognition

 

Certified diamonds are widely recognised and respected in the diamond industry. Whether a collector, jeweller, or enthusiast, dealing with certified diamonds marks professionalism and commitment to quality.

 

 

The Role of Leading Certification Institutes

 

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

 

GIA, often regarded as the world’s foremost authority in diamond grading, sets the industry standard. Their comprehensive reports are highly trusted globally. GIA assesses diamonds precisely, focusing on the 4Cs and additional factors like fluorescence, ensuring consumers receive accurate and reliable information.

 

IGI (International Gemological Institute)

 

IGI is a renowned institution with a vast international presence. They offer detailed grading reports that are widely accepted. IGI’s focus on consistency and accuracy in assessing diamonds has made them a reliable choice for consumers seeking certified ones.

 

Leading Diamond Certification Institutes

HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant)

 

HRD, based in Antwerp, Belgium, is one of Europe’s leading diamond grading authorities. They are known for their meticulous attention to detail and expertise in evaluating diamond quality. HRD-certified diamonds are highly regarded for their meticulousness and dependability.

 

Canadamark

 

Canadamark specialises in certifying Canadian diamonds and is known for its ethical and sustainable sourcing practices. They trace a diamond’s journey from mine to market, ensuring it meets stringent environmental and social responsibility standards.

 

Forevermark

 

A subsidiary of De Beers, Forevermark offers a unique proposition by inscribing their diamonds with a unique identification number. It ensures the diamond’s authenticity and adds a personal touch to the purchase.

 

Buy Certified diamonds from certified diamond dealers in US and India

Looking for Certified Diamonds?

 

For inquiries about buying the GIA-certified diamond, reach out to expert diamond dealers in the US and India at Hari Krishna Exports.

 

Our diamonds are certified by internationally acclaimed authorities, including GIA, IGI, and HRD.

 

With diamond manufacturing and sales units in India and overseas, we strictly adhere to the global industry standards necessary to ensure the quality and authenticity of our diamonds.

 

We excel as a trusted diamond manufacturer, diamond exporter, and jewellery manufacturer committed to quality and value, with multiple entities serving every buyer.

 

Sign up to access our inventory of natural certified diamonds in 9+ shapes and get the latest updates about the diamond industry.

 

Download our hk.co app on multiple platforms, including Android and iOS.

 

Certified Diamond buying guide

What are GIA Certified Diamonds: Everything Explained

When we say a diamond is certified, it means that it has gone through a testing and grading process by an independent third-party lab and has a report which includes all the details about the diamond. 

 

There are many reputable diamond grading laboratories in the world, such as the GIA, EGL, IGI, AGS, HRD, GSL, GSI, NGTC, etc.

 

Each of these labs have a distinct grading method and rating standards, as the diamond certification is subjective to labs.

 

However, amongst all, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the most trustworthy lab in terms of its grading standards in the diamond & jewelry industry.

 

What does GIA certified diamond mean?

Actually, it is technically wrong to call it a GIA “certified” diamond because GIA only “grades” them. Even the document which has the result of the diamond assessment is called a report and not a certificate. 

 

It has just become common practice to call it a GIA certified diamond but it is more like a misnomer. 

 

So, being a GIA graded diamond means that the diamond has gone through a rigorous evaluation in a GIA lab and it has a report which contains all information 

 

You must have heard about the iconic concept of diamond’s 4Cs (color, cut, clarity and carat). This standard of assessing a diamond was created by GIA. 

 

 

Founded in 1931, GIA is an independent, nonprofit organization that does R&D in the gem industry, defines and sets grading standards for diamond quality, and educates gem professionals.

 

GIA ensures that the diamond grading standards are fully objective; it keeps its all operations isolated from all the commercial trade, pricing, or valuation of diamonds.

 

Over the years it has become the most dependable and reputable gemological laboratory. The assessment of loose diamonds  is done using only the most sophisticated and updated instruments. 

 

The results of which are recorded in a document called the GIA report. 

 

How to read a GIA Report?

There are various reports which can be made for a diamond. Depending on the owner’s request and type of diamond sent, these are the reports that GIA can issue

 

❖ Diamond Grading Report: Includes the full 4Cs assessment for diamonds weighing 0.15 carats or more.

 

❖ Diamond Origin Report: Includes the full 4Cs assessment with geographic origin and GIA report number laser inscription for diamonds weighing 0.15 carats or more

 

❖ Diamond Dossier: Includes the full 4Cs assessment with GIA report number laser inscription for diamonds weighing 0.15 -1.99 carat.

 

❖ Diamond E-Report: Includes the full 4Cs assessment for diamonds weighing 0.15 -2.99 carats.

 

❖ Diamond Focus Report: Includes the full 4Cs assessment with GIA report number laser inscription. Select loose, natural diamonds under 0.40 carats.

 

If you’re interested, you can check out the sample of all these reports available on their website.

 

But for the purpose of this blog, we will only explore details of the GIA diamond grading report which is the most popular. 

 

                                       Sample of a natural diamond grading report 

                                                              Source: Gia.edu

 

As you can see, reading a GIA diamond report is easy and clear. You get information about the 4Cs, inclusions and everything else you need to know to make the right diamond purchase. 

 

The report has been further elaborated in this video.

 

 

If you want to verify whether the report you have is an authentic GIA report, you can go to their website and do a report check.

 

Just enter your report number and you should be able to see it in their database. 

 

Is every diamond a GIA diamond?

No, every diamond is not a certified diamond and specifically not a GIA diamond. 

 

Diamonds can be self-certified, non-certified or certified from other laboratories but a diamond can only be called a GIA diamond if it has been graded by GIA in one of its labs. 

 

It is okay to buy non-certified diamonds under some circumstances and if you are looking to understand this in detail along with knowing the differences between certified and non-certified diamonds, you can read our dedicated blog. 

 

Diamond-buying-guide
 

However, GIA diamonds are really valuable and good diamond traders know the importance of selling authentic and verified diamonds so it is common practice to send eligible diamonds for a GIA grading.

Are GIA diamonds more expensive? 

Certified diamonds are relatively more expensive than non-certified diamonds. Diamond manufacturers factor the cost of grading in the diamond’s retail price. GIA being the most reputable of them all, does have a premium attached to its cost in comparison to other labs. 

 

 

But you also have to consider that diamonds are anyway an expensive purchase and buying right is crucial. You don’t want to end up with inauthentic diamonds having paid a huge sum to the retailer already. 

 

Thus it is advisable to go for a GIA graded diamond because it will secure your investment and give you something invaluable- peace of mind! 

How to get your loose diamonds “GIA certified”?

Reiterating that GIA “certified” is not the right word for it, actually anyone can send their diamonds for a GIA grading. You can personally drop off or ship your diamond for GIA grading at any of its 9 labs around the world.

 

Remember that GIA only grades loose diamonds having a carat-weight of at least 0.15 Cents. So if you have diamonds set in jewelry, you’ll need to take it off before sending. 

 

If you are not a diamond trader and you are not sure how all this works, we advise you to consult a professional and seek assistance from a trusted jeweler.  

 

Looking for GIA certified diamonds?

 

Hari Krishna Exports is among the top 10 diamond companies of India and largest exporters of GIA certified loose diamonds, ranging from 0.18 cent to 50+ carats-sized diamonds in more than 9 shapes, including brilliant-round cut, FL to I3 clarity, and D to M Color across the 80+ countries of the world, including the USA, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Israel, the UK, Canada, etc.

 

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