DIAMOND GRADING AND CERTIFICATION

Before being purchased, many diamonds (and all Lumera Diamonds) are sent to a third party laboratory for a comprehensive evaluation; a process known as diamond certification. A reputable lab is one staffed by professional gemologists who specialize in diamond grading. Each diamond certificate issued is uniquely numbered, and corresponds to one individual diamond. From that point forward, the diamond and certificate (laminated to prevent tampering or damage) will travel together from seller to buyer.

Laboratory certification provides an impartial judgment of the characteristics and quality of each diamond. This certification (called a grading report, or dossier by GIA) gives the purchaser added confidence that the diamond received is as described by the seller. The diamond certificate is also valuable for insurance purposes, as it provides a professional, independent evaluation of the diamond.

A laboratory certification is not an appraisal. An appraisal seeks to establish the value of an item, mainly for insurance purposes. A diamond certificate does not evaluate a diamond's market value, only its characteristics and quality. That said, diamond certification from a reputable laboratory is invaluable in generating an accurate appraisal.

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GIA DIAMOND CERTIFICATION

GIA Campus in Carlsbad, CA

Lumera sells only diamonds which have been certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA is the world's oldest, largest, and one of the most respected independent laboratories. Unlike some other labs, GIA is not owned or partially owned by diamond wholesalers or retailers, and is a non-profit organization. GIA actually developed the "4 C's" diamond grading system (used almost universally today) to provide truly objective standards in the evaluation of a diamond.

Every Lumera Diamond is accompanied by its GIA Grading Report or Dossier. These diamond grading certificates may be viewed prior to purchase by clicking the name "GIA" next to any diamond.

View a GIA Grading Report

View a GIA Dossier

Following is an overview of what each document contains:

GIA DIAMOND GRADING REPORT

The GIA diamond grading report includes the following information:

Date: The date the diamond was examined by GIA
Report Number: The unique tracking number assigned to each diamond and report.
Shape (e.g. brilliant round, square modified brilliant)
Measurements: to the nearest one-hundredth of a millimeter
Carat Weight: to the nearest one-hundredth of a carat
Depth %
Table %
Girdle Thickness
Culet Size
Polish Grade
Symmetry Grade
Clarity Grade
Color Grade
Cut Grade: for round diamonds only
Fluorescence Grade
Laser Inscription: Notes the content of any inscription present on the girdle of the diamond.
General Comments: Additional identifying characteristics or features not otherwise represented in the report.
Diamond Plot: showing all inclusions and blemishes found.
Proportion Diagram: A graphic representation of the diamond's actual proportions.
Security Features: A variety of document security features (such as hologram, security screen, micro-print lines) which confirm the authenticity of the report.

GIA DIAMOND DOSSIER

For smaller diamonds, an abbreviated form of the GIA Grading Report is often used, called a GIA Dossier. This condensed report offers the same information as the GIA Grading Report listed above, with the exception of a diamond plot, since the individual flaws are less important in smaller stones (as is clarity in general).

Every diamond that has been issued a GIA Diamond Dossier will have the report number laser inscribed on the diamond's girdle. This added security allows the purchaser to confirm the identity of the diamond at all times.

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A note of caution:

All Labs are not created equal, and their judgments are not held to any objective standard. Unfortunately, some labs have succumbed to pressure from retailers to lower their standards, thereby allowing lower quality diamonds to be certified with higher ratings, increasing their value in the marketplace. Before relying on any diamond certificate, make sure you are comfortable with the reputation and expertise of its author.

While Lumera chooses to offer only GIA certified diamonds, other labs which have a strong reputation in the marketplace include AGS (American Gem Society) and HRD (more common in Europe than the U.S). Diamonds with certification from labs such as IGI and EGL tend to sell at a small discount, since these labs are known for relaxed diamond grading standards (for example, a diamond graded G in color by EGL may only be graded H by GIA).

Use caution when comparing the price of diamonds graded by two different labs; what at first seems like a bargain may only be the result of more relaxed diamond grading.

Buying Tip:

Only buy diamonds which have been certified by a reputable lab. Do not accept certifications created by retailers, even if they claim to be GIA trained.

Keep your diamond certificate in a safe place. It provides invaluable security in the case of loss (helping to establish the quality and size of diamond required for equitable replacement), trade, or resale. Whenever the diamond must leave your possession (for example, to be cleaned), always let the party taking possession know you have a certificate. Knowing you can positively identify your diamond removes any temptation on the part of the third party to commit fraud (such as switching the diamond for one of lower quality).

A copy of your uniquely numbered GIA certificate is kept permanently on file with the GIA, and can be replaced at anytime if lost or destroyed.

Visit the Lumera Diamond Buying Guide for additional tips and advice.

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Questions about certification or other aspects of a diamond? Ask a diamond consultant for answers. A consultant will answer any questions you have, and if you like, search for diamonds on your behalf that match your criteria. Chat online, or call 1-888-658-6372 now.

Next: The GIA Diamond Grading Process