Important Diamond Laboratories

May 2, 2012 | By Contributor In Accessories, Limited Time Bargains | Comments(0)

Diamond certificates are  particularly significant to diamond wholesalers because the official document  determines the value of a diamond . The price of the diamond is  in straight line   linked to the graduation on the certificate. This certificate gives the diamond an extra dimension , the quality of the diamond is  assured  and the buyer ,  generally  a jeweler, is  certain  that it is without a doubt a REAL  diamond  .

There are  numerous  institutes or diamond laboratories that  present  this service. The most reputable are the HRD (High Council of Diamonds), IGI (Institute of Gemology) and GIA certificate (Gemological Institute of America). The first  2  were founded in the 1970s and the last 1  mentioned was already in business  during the 1930s.

Why are these institutes so  prominent  ?

All the institutes mentioned above have conformed to the directives imposed by the ISO and the IDC. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) determines the directives to which Laboratories must conform. The IDC (International Diamond Council) in  collaboration  with the WFDB (World Federation of Diamond Bourses) and the IDMA (International Manufacturers Association) put together the guidelines for grading polished diamonds.

The certificate

What important information contains a diamond certificate?

 Take  an HRD certificate as example.  Every  other diamond certificates contain roughly  alike  information and will only differ in layout.

First and foremost, the certificate has a certificate number. This is a unique number that links that specific certificate with a specific diamond. With this number you can nowadays find your certificate in the online database of the Institute that issued the certificate.

Next, there is a description of the diamond:

  • Shape: Round, oval, princess etc…
  • Weight
  • Clarity Grade: FI till P3
  • Fluorescence: None till Very Strong
  • Color Grade: D till LB
  • Measurements: diameter and height
  • Proportions and Symmetry: Ideal till Weak
  • Girdle: Extremely Thin till Extremely thick
  • Culet: Pointed, Polished, Chipped or Abraded
  • Table Width
  • Crown Height
  • Pavilion Depth
  • Finish grade: Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Unusual

At the bottom of the certificate the city in which the certificate is made and the date is mentioned. The date is  vital  because older certificates can be expired. When a certificate is older than  10  years, you will have to get an updated one  one if you want to sell your diamond .

 

Filed under: Accessories, Limited Time Bargains

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