When purchasing a diamond for an engagement ring, special anniversary present or ‘just because’ it’s important that you first understand the diamond certification process before you begin your search.
Diamond grading and certification outlines for the customer, all of the characteristics unique to that specific diamond. This process can only be undertaken before a diamond is set, and while it doesn’t list the value of the diamond or suggest worth, this report contains the information that is necessary to determine its price.
Most diamond grading reports will include a report number and a statement that the diamond is in fact a natural diamond. The clarity, colour and fluorescence grades as well as the exact carat weight of the diamond, measurements and shape are included in the reports. A plot that indicates what inclusions are present in the diamond and where they are located are also included in most reports. Further notes about the diamond may also be added.
Many diamond graders will also offer laser inscription services. This is an inscription on the girdle of the diamond that helps to identify it. The inscription may be something specific to the consumer or the diamond grading certification report number for that diamond. It is not visible to the naked eye and does not damage the diamond in any way.
There are a few international organisations that use standardised methodologies to grade diamonds. These standards have been put in place to reduce the often subjective nature of grading diamonds. Here, we’ll look more in depth at two of the most recognised labs and how they go about grading diamonds. We’ll also look specifically at CanadaMark diamonds and the certification they need to go through in order to achieve CanadaMark status.
GIA
The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is a nonprofit institute dedicated to education and research in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has one of the world’s most reputable diamond grading labs as well as being seen as an authority in the diamond industry.
The GIA has created two types of diamond grading reports; The Diamond Grading Report (DGR) which is for diamonds with a weight of 1 carat or higher. The second type of report is known as a Diamond Dossier which is for diamonds with a carat weight of less than 1 carat. While the reports contain the same information, the main difference between them is the detail and length.
The DGR is longer and it includes a diamond diagram which is referred to as the clarity plot. This maps out the grade-setting clarity characteristics of the diamond such as any blemishes or inclusions. The Diamond Dossier doesn’t include a clarity plot, the characteristics of the diamond are simply listed in the report.
HRD
The diamond lab of HRD Antwerp was founded in 1976 and established to meet the growing need for a reliable and accurate source of diamond grading reports and certificates. HRD Antwerp is mainly owned by the Antwerp World Diamond Center, which represents the Belgian diamond industry. Antwerp is in fact one of the largest diamond trading and supply centers in the world.
HRD conform to diamond grading standards set by the International Diamond Council (IDC). The World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) both approve of the grading process as conducted by HRD, as outlined by the IDC. HRD is the largest lab in the world that adheres to the IDC’s rules for grading polished diamonds.
The standards at HRD are similar to GIA, who also follow the same grading system as outlined by the International Diamond Council. As with diamonds certified by GIA, diamond reports from HRD are considered highly reliable and extremely accurate.
When grading diamonds, HRD has a specific system to ensure complete anonymity and objectivity in the lab. This is done using a double coding system where one code is provided to the owner of the diamond, while another code is given to the diamond within the lab. This is used to ensure that anonymity is always a priority and strict objectivity is always upheld.
As with diamonds graded by the GIA, the latest scientific methods are utilised to perform examinations at HRD. This allows for complete accuracy and always instills absolute confidence in the consumer.
CanadaMark
The CanadaMark program allows for independent verification that a diamond is from Canada. Each diamond which is mined is Canada is done so responsibly in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Each CanadaMark diamond is natural and untreated and is polished to adhere to the highest quality of standards.
Only certain manufactures have the approval to cut and polish CanadaMark diamonds. These manufacturers are audited by a third party to make sure that their processes are correct and most importantly that they have the ability to track the progress of the Canadian diamond from the mine of origin right through to the polished, end result.
Each CanadaMark diamond comes with its own certificate. This certificate is only issued once the manufacturer is able to provide evidence of the diamond’s origin, its movement through their own tracking system and the technical characteristics of that specific diamond.
Once this has been established and the certificate has been issued, it is laser inscribed with the CanadaMark logo as well as a unique serial number. This serial number, which also appears on the certificate, is entered into the CanadaMark database along with the stone weights.
Apart from the industry leading organisations above, there is also the AGS, GCAL, IGI, GSI and PGS diamond grading labs. It’s important to note that when you are purchasing a diamond, having a certificate from a reputable and reliable source means accurate and reliable information, so you can buy with complete confidence that you are making a solid investment.
Whether you are searching for a diamond for an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or heirloom quality ring or pendant, obtaining a diamond that is accompanied by a reliable certificate you can trust will ensure you’re buying a quality gemstone that’s natural, and comes with a grading report that is completely unbiased and accurate. Knowing what you are looking for in a diamond before you start searching is important. Understanding how diamonds are graded by experts ensures an even greater understanding of the diamond you will treasure and love for a lifetime.
by Australian Diamond Brokers : May 5th 2016 Come visit our store or browse our website to find out more.