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Also called a diamond grading report, diamond dossier®, or diamond quality document
A diamond certificate (also called a diamond grading report, diamond dossier®, or diamond quality document), is a report created by a team of gemmologists. The stone is evaluated, measured, and scrutinised using trained eyes, a jeweller’s loupe, a microscope, and other industry tools. A completed certificate includes an analysis of the dimensions, clarity, colour, polish, symmetry, and other characteristics. Round Brilliant Cut diamonds will also include a cut grade on the report.
There are many types and levels of certification supplied by the jewellery industry and they are not all equal. Beware of in-house valuations and certificates, as it is not uncommon for a stone to be presented 2-3 grades better than it actually is. Much like the purchase of a motor vehicle, you would be much more trusting of an inspection by an independent motoring body, as opposed to the dealer who is selling you the car.
As trusted diamond brokers in Sydney, we advise you to insist on nothing less than the very highest level of independent, qualified certification regardless of where you purchase diamonds, gemstones, or handcrafted jewellery. If it is not available, walk away.
The following is a list of the most qualified, consistent, and industry-respected independent diamond grading laboratories:
GIA : Gemological Institute of America – www.gia.edu
AGSL : American Gem Society Laboratories – https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/agslabs
HRD : Hoge Raad voor Diamant or Diamond High Council – www.hrdantwerp.com
GSL : Gem Studies Laboratory – www.gemstudieslaboratory.com.au
AUSCERT : www.auscertdiamonds.com.au
While the vast majority of certifications from the above laboratories are accurate with regard to their gradings, occasionally we see some where the grades are higher than our determination. It just illustrates why our personal inspection is so important, regardless of the certification.
Most gem diamonds are traded on the wholesale market based on single values for each of the four Cs; for example, knowing that a wholesale diamond is rated as 1.5 carats, VS2 clarity, F colour, excellent cut round brilliant, is enough to reasonably establish an expected price range. More detailed information from within each characteristic is used to determine actual market value for individual stones.
Other characteristics also influence the value and appearance of a gem diamond. These include physical characteristics such as the presence of fluorescence as well as its source and which gemmological institute evaluated the stone. Cleanliness or Raw Crystal Transparency also dramatically affects a wholesale diamond’s beauty.
73/48-50 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150, Australia