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A certificate is a document containing the vital data about
the diamond. It contains all the characteristics of the stone
that will make up its value. Certificates do not contain any
information regarding the monetary value of a diamond. Anyone
can submit a diamond for certification.
Certificates are granted for a fee by laboratories or gemology
institutes. The most important thing about these laboratories
is that they provide an impartial examination. To get the
most out of a certificate one must go over the other sections
in this site, especially the "quality of cut"
and "check list" sections.
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The types of certificates that are used widely in the industry are
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GIA:
Gemological Institute of America
AGS:
American Gemological Society
EGL:
European Gemological Laboratories
IGI:
International Gemological Institute.
HRD:
High diamond council.
The GIA is the leading certificate in the United States today.
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ALL CERTIFICATES ARE DIVIDED INTO
THE FOLLOWING PARTS:
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1.
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The number and date
of certification.
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2.
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Shape, weight
and measurements (in
millimeters) of the stone.
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3.
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Proportions: These
are the pure physical characteristics that will govern the
stones quality as
described in the “quality
of cut” section. They include the total depth and
table percentages. They
include the girdle thickness, culet size and quality of finish
(polish and symmetry). The possibilities
for polish and symmetry are:
Excellent – Very good
– Good – Fair – Poor An excellent grade
is rare.
Fair and Poor grades should be discounted. You should be looking
for Very Good and Good grades
for your diamond. The difference between Excellent and Very
Good is very small, and either can receive an “Ideal”
grade.
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4.
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Color, clarity
and fluorescence.
Color and clarity
- This section offers the two major factors for price determination.
Fluorescence is graded here: if strong in high colors, the
diamond may have a hazy look, and should be cheaper. Clarity
imperfections are mapped on a diagram for identification
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THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT CERTIFICATES WHEN BUYING A DIAMOND:
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Always copy down relevant information from certificates or even
ask for a photo copy when shopping.
Remember to compare "apples" to "apples". Try to match up similar
diamonds, i.e shape, weight, color, clarity and cut quality. Also
remember to match price per carat if diamonds do not weigh the same.
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CONSULTATIONS AND THE GIA DIAMOND DOSSIER:
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A consultation is a "mini" certificate that states weight, dimensions,
color and clarity only. Pay close attention to what is not on the
consultation, and always try to get a written guarantee before purchasing.
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THE DIAMOND DOSSIER: LASER INSCRIBED CODE ON DIAMONDS GRIDLE
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This relatively new practice was adopted by the industry as the
standard means of matching diamonds with their certificates. An
identification number is branded onto the girdle with a laser beam,
and can only be removed by complete re-polishing of the girdle.
The dossier has been very successful in addressing authenticity
issues.
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