Diamond Certificates

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 everyone that this stone is indeed the genuine article.

A certificate enables you to buy your diamond with confidence.

GIA and HRD are two of the most respected diamond certifiers in the business. 99.9% of the diamonds we sell are certified by either GIA or HRD so that our customers can be assured the stone they are buying is of the highest quality.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

Internationally, the Institute has distinguished itself as the preeminent source of gemological knowledge and professionalism. By extension, the GIA Diamond Grading Report and the GIA Diamond Dossier are considered the world's premier gemological credentials. Diamonds of all shapes and sizes are sent to the Institute from every corner of the globe for analysis and grading.


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HRD (Antwerp Diamond High Council)

In 2001, the HRD Certificates Department was acknowledged by obtaining the new International Standard ISO/IEC 17025. The HRD lab was one of the very first worldwide to receive this distinction. This standard incorporates technology – enhanced in value due to the heightened technical requirements – and covers the technical activities of a lab and the management and organizational aspects to perform such technical activities in a competent way.

This means that, by purchasing a diamond with an HRD Diamond Certificate, the consumer not only purchases a diamond, but also recieves a guarantee of reliable quality. The requirements of this standard are met by the absolute integrity with which examinations of diamonds are performed.


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Laser Inscription

While some in the industry indorse the inscription of diamonds others don’t. When a diamond is laser inscribed it means that a laser has engraved the certificate number on the side of the stone. In some cases this would be followed be the name of the company that has graded the stone.

While this would appear to be permanent, it is not. The girdle of the stone can always be re-polished to remove the inscription. The purists in the diamond industry are not in favor of any laser inscriptions.

While the cost of engraving is minor in relation to the value of the stone, the customer should look at the following. If the stone has a laser inscription will the cost of insuring the stone be lowered? How much more does it cost to have the inscription on the stone? Is the engraving so deep that it lowers the value if the stone?

The final point is, if you have a laser inscribed stone you will be able to identify your stone. So, if you have dropped your ring off for repair you should be able to look with a loupe and see the engraving on the side of the stone.

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