Diamonds can make for a very eye-catching centerpiece for your jewelry, especially if the diamond is of a brilliant cut and is real and certified. There is a need to exercise great care when purchasing diamonds however. When buying loose diamonds to set on your custom jewelry, it is common knowledge to look out for the 4C’s of diamonds: color, cut, clarity, and carat. To elaborate, the rarity of its color, the number of angles and cuts, the clarity of the gem, and its overall size determine the stone’s price. These qualities make the Diamond shine and stand out better than any other gems in the market. Besides these 4Cs, there is another “C” that customers should look for whenever they want to get their hands on a loose diamonds: certificates.
What are certificates? – Certificates acts like a diamond’s blueprint. It tells you the exact details of a Diamond’s 4Cs: the exact measurement, weight, and the specifics of its cut and quality. It also points out a stone’s individual characteristics. These certificates also serve as a proof of the stone’s value. With that being said, certificates are not the same as an appraisal. Certificates can only determine the physical worth of a gem and not it’s monetary value. An appraisal, on the other hand, places a monetary value on a diamond, but it can never certify the physical qualities of the stone.
What use will it have for me? – Shopping for certified loose diamonds will allow you to make a more informed choice about your selection of diamonds. You’ll be able to compare shops and diamonds well, since you have the full detail of the stone with you. For example, you can compare a diamond to another of the same price, and see which one is heavier, or which one has less flaws in it.
Who makes these certificates? – Certificates can be issued by many diamond labs out there, but the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are the most widely recognized diamond grading laboratories in the world. While there are other grading labs out there, different labs often have different grading standards. Some laboratories are even more lenient than others. This is why many people prefer GIA and AGS Clarity. Compared to other grading labs, GIA and AGS have always been consistent with their high standards. If you do end up buying non-GIA- or non-AGS-certified diamonds, then you can always ask for the certifying lab’s credentials. Note that diamond labs who are not as popular as GIA or AGS can also be bribed by jewelry stores so be careful. Aside from these 2, there is also the EGL in Europe, Diamond High Council in the Netherlands, and the Cut.
Why is it better to buy a certified diamond? – Aside from helping you with buying loose diamonds, these certifications can help you use these stones as an Investment. These certifications are made by a third-part, meaning you can always claim the diamond’s value since you have its certificate with you. Loose diamonds without certificates can also be a clue that the diamond has been enhanced – its flaws, hidden by cuts and continuous polishing. These wholesale look like their flawless counterparts – except they have a chance to erode.
I hope this article taught you the importance of a diamond’s certification and how it shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Next time you buy yourself a next piece, look not only for loose, diamonds, Clarity, and Cut – but also its Certificate!
Author :Therese Shaw is a freelance writer who writes occasionally for Brillance.com, a company that sells wholesaleloosediamonds. When not writing, she enjoys creating fashion accessories with her hands, home-made jewelry included.
