Certification

• A diamond certification is also known as a diamond grade report or diamond quality document. All of these reports give the same basic information regarding individual diamonds. To have a diamond certification, the stone must be evaluated by a qualified gemologist. A complete evaluation will include the diamond's size, including carat weight, a report on the clarity of the stone, the color, the cut, the symmetry and the polish. There are two main diamond certifying agencies, GIA and AGSL. When shopping for a diamond, you can ask to see certification documents.
  
  

GIA Certification

• The Gemological Institutue of America, or GIA, offers training to those who want to learn about gems become certified diamond inspectors. Anyone can use the services of GIA, not simply jewelers. It provides a variety of services in addition to supplying diamond certificates. To have a diamond certified, a jeweler would drop off or mail his loose diamonds to GIA. GIA would then evaluate each diamond and create an individual report regarding carat, color and clarity and will evaluate the cut on round diamonds. Some reports are more detailed, including a drawing of the diamond. The more detailed the report, the more it will cost.
  
  

AGSL Certification

• The AGSL, or American Gem Society Laboratories, also operates worldwide. This group provides information about the cut on all of the diamonds it evaluates. AGSL's mission is to use technology to evaluate the cut of diamonds. AGSL only accepts diamonds from jewelers and manufacturers. To use the services of AGSL, you will need to find an American Gem Society jeweler to help deliver your diamond for evaluation.
  
  

Benefits of Certification

• The biggest benefit of certification is certainty that you possess a real, quality diamond. During the certification process, there are a minimum of two trained gemologists who evaluate each stone to ensure accurate grading. The certification will allow you to insure your gems for the correct amount of money. Without a certification, you have no documentation as to the value of your diamond. You are not even assured that you have a real diamond and not a synthetic stone. Certification documents also prove the size of your stone.