Explain GIA and EGL Diamond Certification

Diamond shopping can be confusing if you're not an expert. Fortunately, many reputable jewelers across North America and Europe offer GIA and EGL certified diamonds. Quality reports from independent laboratories like these help take the guesswork out of diamond shopping and provide consumers with peace of mind.

Function

Organizations like GIA and EGL receive diamonds from jewelers. They examine and reports on those diamonds, detailing their quality. EGL and GIA reports rate diamonds on a number of characteristics relating to infamous 4 c's (clarity, color, carat, cut). Certification from widely respected institutions such as these have become a sound alternative to private appraisals, as appraisers are not required to use any standardized methods, nor are they required to have any training.

GIA

The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, was founded in 1931 in an attempt to standardize the way diamonds are evaluated, and has since become known for being among the most rigorous and advanced labs in the world. GIA now certifies more diamonds in America than any other organization. Most of the people seeking reports from GIA are jewelers, though anyone can send their loose (unmounted) diamonds to be examined.

EGL

The European Gemological Laboratory, or EGL, is the predominant gem laboratory in Europe. With laboratories across Europe, Asia and Africa, they are also widely respected throughout the world. Quality reports from EGL are sometimes considered to be more lenient than those from GIA, giving some diamonds slightly higher grades in certain aspects. This is simply because diamond evaluation is somewhat subjective and depends on the diamond expert evaluating the stone.

Benefits

Because most diamond buyers are not experts, it is hard to tell whether or not you're getting a good deal on a diamond. Certifications and quality reports from institutions like GIA and EGL allow consumers to evaluate the quality of diamonds and compare prices of diamonds of similar size and quality. This is helpful in finding the best possible deal on a diamond.

Warning

Certifications from GIA or EGL do not determine whether or not a diamond is a conflict diamond (which the UN defines as "diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments"). There are other ways, however, to ensure that you don't buy conflict diamonds (look for a link in the Resources section of this article). Also, when you make the decision to buy certified diamonds, make sure you fully understand what is on the diamond quality report to make the most informed decision.

References

• UN Resolution on Conflict Diamonds

Resources

• Gemological Institute of America
• European Gemological Laboratory
• How to Avoid Buying Conflict Diamonds