Diamond and Jewelry Certificates & Appraisals

Since the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most respected gemological laboratories in the world, it is where diamond companies submit their diamonds for the necessary diamond grading reports.

The diamond grading report, aside from containing the analysis of the four C’s of diamonds such as cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, likewise reports on the diamond’s measurements, angles and proportions of its facets, imperfections, like inclusions and blemishes, and cutting workmanship. The report, however, does not contain an appraisal of the value of the diamond.

The need for these diamond certificates is important as it establishes the true quality and genuineness of the stone. In addition, the report gives an objective comparison through an unbiased and professional examination by a gemological laboratory like that of the GIA. The diamond certificate likewise facilitates smooth transactions by providing a dependable basis for the gem’s price and insurance.

Gem grading laboratories abound all over the world but not all of them have a highly known reputation like the GIA. Some gem labs have questionable ethics. The GIA, a non-profit organization that is not engaged in buying and selling diamonds, has been known as a leading authority on diamonds the world over. They have the highest standard of grading reports carefully drawn and showing the exact position, size and shape of every internal inclusion and external blemish a diamond possesses and it is very strict in assigning color and clarity grades.

Aside from diamond grading reports made by grading laboratories, there are also appraisal certificates issued by an independent appraiser or an appraiser connected with the jeweler who is skilled in the process of evaluating the genuineness and quality of diamonds. They are usually well experienced in the business of buying and selling diamonds, a graduate gemologist, particularly for diamonds, or jewelry professionals engaged in the trade of diamonds. Their opinions can be backed up by diamond certificates from gemological laboratories, if there are any. They then produce their independent evaluation that includes, unlike the GIA, information on the jewelry component and a full description of the article.

In addition, the appraisal certificates contain the estimated total retail replacement value for the complete item. Unlike a diamond gem lab, the appraiser determines the current market value of the gem after considering its quality and marketability which can differ from one appraiser to another. This valuation helps in determining whether or not its insurance coverage is adequate. In insuring jewelry, all insurers require a copy of the jewelry appraisal as, together with grading certificates, the appraisal certificates can shed light on the origin and genuineness of the jewelry as well as its insurability.


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