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| Home � Diamond Basics � Diamond Certificates |
| Diamond Certificates |
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A certificate is a "blueprint" of a diamond, it tells you the diamond's exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It precisely points out all the individual characteristics of the stone. Certificates also serve as proof of the diamond's identity and value.
Note that a certificate is not the same thing as an appraisal. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but it does not place a monetary value on the gem.
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Who Issues Certificates? |
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There are many diamond labs that issue certificates, but the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are the two most widely regarded and recognized diamond grading labs in the world. All gddiamond.com diamonds featured in our Diamond Store are certified by one of these two labs.
There are many diamond grading labs in operation, many of which produce their own grading reports. Different labs have different grading standards, and some labs will be more lenient with their standards than others. gddiamond.com sells only GIA- or EGL-certified diamonds, as these labs have consistently demonstrated their commitment to standards that are high as gddiamond.com's. If you do elect to buy a diamond elsewhere, always ask for credentials of the certifying lab.
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Why Do I Need a Certificate?
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Shopping for certified diamonds allows you to make an informed choice about your selections, and to comparison shop. You can compare one diamond with a particular weight and quality with other diamonds of similar weight and quality to determine which is the better value.
A quick rule of thumb: If a jewelry store offers to sell you a diamond without a certificate, keep in mind that it means you are buying the diamond based only on the salesperson's claim about its quality, and that a trained gemologist or even other jewelers may disagree with the salesperson's assessment.
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Learn more
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For more detailed information about certificates from the GIA and AGS, click on the links below:
GIA Diamond Grading Report
GIA Diamond Dossier
AGSL Diamond Quality Document
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