What Does "Certified Diamond" Mean?
If you want to purchase a diamond, whether for an engagement or as an investment, a certification will let you know the quality and value of your purchase. Diamonds that are a half carat or larger are typical candidates for certification. Does this Spark an idea?
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Who Certifies Diamonds?
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Expert gemologists working in independent laboratories are responsible for certifying diamonds. The most well-known labs are the American Gem Society, the European Gemological Laboratories, the International Gemological Institute, GemEx Systems and the Gemological Institute of America.
How Diamonds Are Certified
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A diamond is evaluated by a gemologist, who uses her expert eyes, a microscope, and a jeweler's loupe (a small, high-powered magnification tool) to critique and measure the diamond.
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What Certifications Tell You
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A diamond certificate evaluates a diamond's value. When you read a diamond's certificate, you will see an analysis of many aspects of the diamond. The "Four Cs" of the diamond are detailed: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Together, these comprise the diamond's value.
Other Names for Diamonds Certifications
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You may hear a diamond certificate referred to as a diamond dossier, a diamond quality document or a diamond grading report. All of these are considered diamond certificates and can be used to judge a diamond's value.
Fun Fact
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How much should you spend on the ring? You may have heard the adage, "spend two month's salary on a diamond engagement ring," and guess what? That is still the recommendation given by jewelers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Stephen Durham Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Litho Printers Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of bradleypjohnson
