Diamond Information.
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.
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
Comments
I received a call this morning, one which we get on a regular basis. The question is always the same, and our answer is always the same. It usually starts with, "I am buying a diamond how can I be sure that I am getting what I am told". the answer is simple. No matter where you are buying a stone you need to firstly make sure the retailer is reputable.A good way to determine this, is by the certificate they provide you with the diamond. If you are offered a certificate from a reputable laboratory that is recognised by the world associations you can be sure you are getting what you are told. And dealing with a reputable retailer. If you are offered a bogus certificate or an in house certificate of valuation you should shop elsewhere. This advice is simple and seems logical, YET we constantly see consumers who have been caught out. Why is this? Well today, I would like to share what we see. The consumer is sceptical and mistrusting by nature,YET when they are involved in a emotional purchase and at their most vulnerable, the sharks come out to feed,playing on the feeling of the moment and the feeling between the couple. It takes very little to convince a first time, uninformed person that they are getting a great deal, especially with very official looking paperwork. This always ends in tears and usually the feeling is they will never trust again. It is amazing that a few unethical traders who perpetuate these problems bring doubt on to the industry as a whole,and my personal view is that we should stand together and get rid of them once and for all. Point out the pit falls to your customers, they do appreciate it.
Michael Cohen
Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia
Suite 1, Level 1
133 Castlereagh Street
Sydney, 2000
Tel: 02 9261 2104
Fax: 02 9261 4263
www.dcla.com.au
info@dcla.com.au
Posted by: Michael Cohen on September 18, 2007 8:47 PM