How To Read Diamond Certifications

By Author: darrel shelby
Total Articles: 6
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Investing in very important items such as diamonds also requires an assurance that the quality matches with the price. As a proof of the diamond’s existence, characteristics, and value is seen in a diamond certificate. It also allows buyers to make an informed comparison with other diamonds sold in the market.

Diamond certifications contain the 4Cs which stand for the diamond’s clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. They also contain other pertinent information such as the shape, symmetry, shapes, and defects, if any.

Who gives out diamond certificates?

Diamond certifications are provided by independent laboratories based on the analysis given by trained gemologists. They are usually affiliated with reliable grading laboratories such as the American Gem Society, the Gemological Institute of America, European Gemological Laboratories, and the International Gemological institute.

Before buying a diamond, a customer can furnished with a copy of the certificate. The seller should also provide the buyer with the details on the characteristics of the stone.

What the Diamond Certificate ...
... Contains

Usually, a diamond certificate should include the following information

1. Name: The independent laboratory’s or gemologists’ name is located at the top of the document, together with their address and contact information.

2. Certificate Number: Every diamond must have a unique certificate number assigned into it. This information should be kept separately from the diamond certificate. In case the certificate is lost, the gemologist can issue another copy.

3. Shape and Cutting Style: A few examples of the shape include pear-shaped, round brilliant and heart brilliant. Radiant cut and princess cut are the examples of diamond cuts.

4. Measurements: The diamond is precisely measured in millimeter to the hundredth of millimeters.

5. Weight: Shown in carats.

6. Proportions: Expressed in depth percent, table percent, the culet, and the girdle.

7. Finish: It describes the diamond’s polish, symmetry and evenness.

8. Clarity: Describes the size, location, nature, and size of flaws and surface irregularities. This can be seen with the aid of a microscope or a magnifying instrument.

9. Color Grade: It is detected with the use of special lighting while comparing the stone with a master set of color comparison stones. The best grades are given a mark of D until Z.

10. Fluorescence: This is only used to identify and not necessarily affect the diamond’s value. The information is derived after the stone is subjected to ultraviolet light.

11. Plot: This is the graphical illustration of the diamond’s flaws. The internal characteristics are usually plotted in red while the external ones are in green. Plotting its physical measurements and characteristics can make a diamond’s unique identity.

12. Comments: These are additional information about the diamond which does not necessarily affect its value.
Author Box: Diamonds are a very important investment. When buying this item as a gift or for personal use, diamond certifications issued by independent and trained gemologists are as important as the diamond itself. For an accurate certification and appraisal, we can help. Visit our website at http://www.abcglab.org for more details.