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Diamond Information.


2 diamonds.jpg

Above: SuperbCert Super-Ideal Cut Diamonds.

Buying a quality Diamond, Engagement Ring, or Wedding Band can be a daunting venture. But if you're armed with accurate information and know what to look for and what to avoid it will be a pleasureable experience. The best place to start is with the 5 C's of diamonds:
1. Certification,
2. Carat,
3. Clarity
4. Color,
5. Cut.

Diamond Basics:

Certification
It is very important that when choosing from a selection of loose diamonds to review the diamond certificate, referred to by diamond grading laboratories as a grading report. This is your assurance that you are getting a diamond that has been graded for color and clarity from an experienced gemologist. Never buy a diamond that does not have this report or has a certificate from a lab with lower color and clarity grading standards.

Some diamond merchants will offer what they term "In house appraisals/certificates" in an attempt to justify the color/clarity grade, as well as the dimensions and characteristics of their loose diamonds. These reports are analogous to the fox guarding the hen-house and will not provide you with any guarantees on the accuracy of the purported diamond color or clarity grades. Additionally,this type of an "appraisal" may very well be inflated causing you to pay higher premiums than is justified.


Independent Grading Laboratories

You should always insist on certified diamonds that have been graded by an independent and unbiased grading lab. This kind of certification is the only way to confirm that you are getting what you paid for with the size, color, clarity, dimensions, and properties of the loose diamonds.

Are all Independent Grading Laboratories Created Equal?

The answer is an emphatic NO!

There are Independent Diamond Grading Laboratories out there whose grading standards, criterion, and competence are lacking. These laboratories are known for routinely grading diamonds at 1-2 Color/Clarity grades higher than actually warranted. You are paying "more" for "less".

GIA and AGS Grading Laboratories.

The most accurate, stringent, and consistent diamond grading laboratories today are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the American Gem Society Laboratories. (AGS) These are the most respected laboratories in the diamond industry. GIA is the standard bearer in the industry known and acclaimed world-wide for their in-depth diamond and jewelery research and consumer education.


Posted by Barry Gutwein on December 27, 2004 3:16 PM in Diamond Information | Comments (46)

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