Diamond Certificates

A Diamond Certificate, from a recognized Gem Trade Laboratory, is a unique fingerprint of a diamond. It not only identifies the diamond but also provides important information which helps both consumers and jewelers alike.

Diamond Certificates are invaluable documents that show in detail a diamond's credentials. They provide a unique fingerprint of a diamond which is a source of vital information to the trained gemologist, jeweler or consumer.

A diamond certificate will contain a complete quality description of the diamond
and will include information on shape, weight, clarity, fluorescence, color grade, measurements, proportions and finish grade. It will also confirm to that the stone is indeed the genuine article.

The two largest, and most reputable independent laboratories worldwide are:

   G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America)

   E.G.L. (European Gemological Laboratory)

  Diamond Charistics. the 4-Cs

There are many characteristics that control a diamond's appearance and durability. Four important factors are often lumped together and called the Four Cs: diamond color, clarity, cut and carat weight. Each of those topics is important on its own, but it's up to you to combine them in different ways to find a diamond that suits your style, your needs and your budget.

COLOR: A diamond's color can be natural or it can be altered by treatments. Diamond color can be affected by fluorescence — a characteristic that makes diamonds shift color in different lights. There are several topics to explore to begin understanding diamond color.

CLARITY: A perfect diamond with perfect clarity, or clearness, is rare. Most flaws that exist in jewelry grade diamonds cannot be seen without looking at gemstones through a jeweler's magnifying loupe. Become familiar with diamond clarity and the terms associated with it so that you can ask the right questions — and understand the answers — when you shop for a diamond.

CUT: Did you know that a diamond's cut does not refer to its shape? When gemologists say "cut," they are talking about a gemstone's proportions — its depth and width and the uniformity of its facets — all characteristics that control brilliance, durability and other qualities we look for in a diamond.

CARAT: Carat weight affects a diamond's appearance and its price, making it a characteristic you should definitely understand before you buy a diamond.