About Certification
The value of a diamond by and large depends on the four c standards namely cut, clarity, coloration and carat weight. Apart from these, a prospective buyer should also know certain other features like polish, complete description of the stone, symmetry, shape, percentage of girdle thickness, depth, table, fluorescence, crown angle, pavilion angle, plot of internal and external inclusions, etc. All these aspects are evaluated and documented in a Diamond certificate which is also termed as the diamond grading report or the diamond quality document. Before finalizing your purchase, you should ask for this certificate to know about the quality requirements of the diamond. This certificate or diamond dossier is considered as a proof of authenticity of the purity and correct standards of a diamond. The Certification procedure involves professional examination of each diamond, following some rigorous scientific methodologies including the use of various industry tools to analyze the Four C factors, scrutinizing and evaluating other important characteristics of the stone, assigning grades (for clarity and coloration) and points (for carat weight) and finally preparing a report on the basis of those analyses and measures. These tests are conducted, verified and attested by a team of diamond experts or professional gemologists. Organizations who are responsible for issuance of Diamond Certificates of international standards are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the International Gemological Institute (IGI), the Gem Certification and Assurance Laboratory (GCAL), the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) and the Kimberley Process Certification System. Sometimes, diamond certification is given by globally recognized diamond retailers as well. These certificates also carry equal importance in terms of accuracy, recognition and universal acceptance.
It is always recommended to buy a certified diamond, whether loose or as a mounted jewelry item. Diamonds along with a proper diamond dossier or a certified grading report are highly valued in the market. Certification acts as a warrantee, safeguarding interests of both parties (buyers and sellers) while trading.
While shopping, do not forget to collect any of the following documents from the diamond retailer-
- GIA Diamond Grading Report
- GIA Diamond Dossier
- IGI Summation of Appraisal
- AGSL Diamond Quality Document
- GCAL Certificate of Diamond Authenticity
Remember, these certificates do not assign any monetary value to the diamond. But depending on the appraisal/grading report, you can learn about the comparative value of the stone. A better understanding of all quality aspects would then help you to select the right diamond at a suitable price.
In addition, the certificates come with many value-added services and benefits for the certificate holders. A Diamond Certification not only authenticates and assures all quality requirements of a diamond as a precious gemstone, but also provides additional benefits including free analysis of the diamond time-to-time, money-back guarantee, easy resale and exchange facilities and more.

