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Q: Diamond Certification Companies ( Answered,   0 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Diamond Certification Companies
Category: Business and Money > Consulting
Asked by: al45-ga
List Price: $10.00
Posted: 23 Nov 2002 07:35 PST
Expires: 23 Dec 2002 07:35 PST
Question ID: 113160
I would like to know which of the Diamond Certification companies is
the most reputable. I am in the process of purchasing a diamond ring
as an anniversary gift for my wife.  Each company on the internet
claims that their diamond certification company is the best.  There
aren't any national or international laws which regulate these
certification companies, so as a result these companies may give a
diamond a certain grade with respect to the 4 C's, polish and
fluorescence, how am I suppose to know if a particular certification
company is accurate in their grading or assessment of a diamond?  Are
there any independent agencies or associations that rate the various
certification companies with regard to their grading policies?
(i.e....Does any agency rate AGI, AGSL, GCAL..etc. as being the most
reputable and consistent in their grading practices?)
I would appreciate if you could clesr this up for me.

Thank You,

Al Olerio
Answer  
Subject: Re: Diamond Certification Companies
Answered By: jackburton-ga on 24 Nov 2002 11:14 PST
 
hello al45,
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a world-renowned
research facility and information center and its laboratory serves as
an independent third party, offering grading and identification
services that are the most highly regarded in the gem and jewelry
industry.
GIA's Mission Statement:
"Since 1931, the Gemological Institute of America's mission has been
to ensure the public trust by educating and serving the gem and
jewelry industry worldwide. As a nonprofit institution, GIA provides
knowledge and professionalism that will maintain the long-term
stability and integrity of the industry while strengthening and
securing consumer confidence."
.
In 1953, GIA created the International Diamond Grading System™. Today
it is the standard recognized by virtually every professional jeweler
and diamantaire in the world. The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory uses this
system to grade the vast majority of the world's fine diamonds,
regardless of size. GIA Gem Trade Laboratory grades diamonds of all
shapes and sizes, and is noted for grading some of the most famous in
the world, including: "The Hope Diamond" (named for Henry Philip Hope,
who purchased it in 1830), and "The Centenary Diamond" (named in honor
of DeBeers' 100th Anniversary). GIA Gem Trade Laboratory's sole
affiliation is with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the
world's largest and most respected nonprofit educational and research
organization serving the gem and jewelry industry.
.
The GIA advise that you should "insist on a Report from GIA — the
world's foremost authority in gemology."
GIA Gem Trade Laboratory (GTL) Reports are regarded throughout the gem
and jewelry industry worldwide as the hallmark of integrity,
reliability, and consistency in gemological services and research.
The "Wall Street Journal" found the GIA to be the most trustworthy
organization:
"....every diamond should come with a grading certificate from an
accredited gemological laboratory; the jewellers we talked to agree
that the Gemological Institute of America, and independent non-profit
organization, is the most trustworthy" ( http://www.gia.edu/wd_66.htm
)
.
GTL has literally set the industry standard for diamond grading and
gemological identification. Today, the GIA Diamond Grading Report™ and
GIA Diamond Dossier® serve as the international gem and jewelry
industry's benchmark credentials.
.
A GTL report will give you the following information:
Date: date GIA report was issued
GIA Report No: Unique GIA report identification number registered in
GIA's extensive global database
Laser Inscription Registry: diamond can be micro-laser inscribed with
its unique GIA report number
Shape & Cutting Style: Description of the outline of the diamond
(shape) and the pattern of the facet arrangement (cutting style)
Measurements: The dimensions of the diamond listed as "minimum
diameter - maximum diameter x depth" for round shapes and "length x
width x depth" for fancy shapes
Weight: the weight of the diamond given in "carats". One carat is
equal to 1/5 of a gram. In keping the internationally recognised trade
practice, weight is recorded to nearest 100th of a carat.
Proportions: this section describes several characteristics relating
to the diamond's cut.
Depth: The depth of the diamond relative to the average diameter for
ound shapes, or width for fancy shapes
Table: The average size of the table facet in relation to the average
diameter for round shapes, or the width of the table in relation to
the width of the diamond for fancy shapes.
Girdle: thickness of the girdle relative to the size of the diamond
Culet: the size of the culet facet relative to the size of the diamond
Finish: finish grades represent the quality of the service condition
(polish) and the size, shape and placement of the facets, including
the evenness of the outline (symmetry)
Clarity: represents the relative absence of inclusions (internal
characteristics) and blemishes (external characteristics). Clarity is
graded on a relative scale from Flawless to Included based on size,
nature, position and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under
10x magnification.
Colour: ansesses the absence of coloour from colorness to llight
yellow, brown or gray when compared to when compared to GIA Master
Color Comparison Diamonds
Fluorescence: the strength and color of the diamond when viewed under
long-wave ultraviolet llight such as is present in daylight
Comments: additional identifying characteristics or features that are
not on the report or Dossier
(Additional) (Laser) Inscription 
GIA Clarity & Color Grading Scales: illustrates clarity and color
grades and their relative positions in the GIA Diamond Grading System
Diagram: A diagram that approximates the shape and cutting style of
the diamond.
Key to Symbols: Lists the characteristics and symbols shown on the
diagram
Security Features: to ensure integrity the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory
Reports include a suite of security components. Notable features
include a hologram, GIA security screen, microprint lines, and
chemical sensitivity, in addition to several other proprietary
security features.
..................................................
Sources
The Gemological Institute of America
http://www.gia.edu
GIA Diamond Grading Report™
http://www.gia.edu/ebay/gradingreports/DGR1.htm
GIA Diamond Dossier®
http://www.gia.edu/ebay/gradingreports/DGD.htm
GIA reports and services
http://www.gia.edu/wd_110.htm
..................................................
Related links:
How to buy a diamond
http://www.gia.edu/howtobuydiamond/menu.htm
Diamonds: The Complete Guide to Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring
http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/Mall/1957/
..................................................
Kewywords used:
"guide to buying a diamond" (Google)
..................................................
I hope this helps!
Let me know if you need any clarification on this.
Please rate answer accordingly.
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