Diamond Certificate: Classification and How to Read It

A diamond grading report is a grading report issued by reputable gemological institutes like GIA (USA) to verify the quality and value of a stone. This is the most important legal basis to clarify technical parameters and ensure the rights of the owner for the diamond.

This diamond certificate provides accurate data based on the 4Cs standard (Weight, Color, Clarity, Cut). To understand the difference between GIA, IGI, or domestic grading reports, please follow the detailed content below with Jemmia Diamond.

Key Takeaway

• A grading report is the "birth certificate" authenticating the quality and real value of a diamond.
• GIA certification has the highest reputation and global liquidity value.
• Grading reports provide objective data on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) for valuation.
• Grading reports help buyers avoid counterfeit risks and facilitate easy exchange and transfer.
• Diamonds from 3.6mm upwards usually come with a full grading report.

What is a Diamond Grading Report?

A diamond grading report (Diamond Certificate) is a detailed report on the quality of the stone, issued by reputable gemological organizations worldwide such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI, or HRD.

This type of diamond grading report will provide complete information about the quality and important parameters such as: color, size, shape, and clarity of the diamond (diamond 4Cs standard).

Diamond grading report is a document issued by reputable grading centers in the gemstone and diamond industry

Currently, there are two popular types of diamond grading reports: domestic and international:

• Domestic grading reports include: PNJ, GIV, and SJC.
• International grading reports are provided by leading grading centers worldwide: GIA, IGI, EGL, AGSL, HDR, etc. Among them, the GIA grading report (Gemological Institute of America) is the most valuable. It is a non-profit organization founded in 1931, specializing in appraising the quality of diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and expensive jewelry.

In commerce, diamonds with international grading certificates are more expensive than those with domestic certificates. However, domestic grading centers also offer diamond grading quality with accuracy comparable to international organizations.

Types of International Diamond Grading Reports

GIA Diamond Grading Report

GIA is considered one of the most reputable diamond grading reports today. The GIA grading report is issued by the Gemological Institute in the United States. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to researching and evaluating the quality of diamonds and gemstones. With its independence and professionalism, GIA ensures the accuracy and objectivity of its appraisal reports.

The main content of the GIA grading report focuses on the unique characteristics and qualities of each diamond. This forms the basis for buyers and sellers to determine the value.

GIA has developed a comprehensive 4C system for diamond valuation. All laboratories operate based on a unified principle and process. Currently, the GIA diamond certificate database is used to store measurements and qualities of gemstones.

GIA is considered one of the most reputable diamond grading reports today

Each diamond is assigned a unique GIA report number. This number is usually located at the beginning of the report. The certificate will show the main factors for diamond valuation, including: carat weight, clarity, color grade, and cut.

See more: What is 8 Carat Natural Diamond Worth? Where to Buy Reputably?

Additionally, you can find supplementary information such as: finish, polish, symmetry, fluorescence, proportion diagrams, etc. In the "Other Comments" section, you will find all other information related to the diamond displayed here.

AGS Diamond Grading Report

AGS grading reports are also widely used for evaluating diamond quality. AGS was founded in 1934 as the American Gem Society in the USA. The organization's purpose is to protect consumers from deceptive practices and fraud in diamond transactions.

In 1966, AGS successfully developed a diamond cut grading system. With a transparent standard appraisal process and professional expertise, AGS has become one of the diamond grading reports with high accuracy and reliability.

The value of each diamond is assessed by AGS based on quality and composition factors. Diamonds are classified according to different shapes: Round, Emerald, Princess, Oval, etc.

AGS was founded in 1934 as the American Gem Society in the USA

The appraisal report also analyzes diamond quality based on 4 factors: color grade, clarity, cut, and carat weight. In addition, you will find other information about: light performance, polish, symmetry, etc.

The biggest difference between GIA and AGS diamond grading reports is the cut quality grading. On the AGS scale, cut quality is ranked from 0 to 10, where 0 is an excellent cut and decreases to 10 (poor cut quality). On the GIA scale, cut quality is classified as: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor.

IGI Diamond Grading Report

IGI diamond grading reports are diamond certificates issued by the International Gemological Institute, founded in Belgium in 1975. The organization is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in the appraisal of diamonds and gemstones.

IGI uses a numerical grading system to quantify the color, clarity, and cut of diamonds. On a scale of 0-10, 0 represents the most valuable diamond and 10 represents the least quality diamond. Each score corresponds to a value level based on the globally accepted GIA diamond grading scale.

IGI Diamond Certification is a diamond certificate issued by the International Gemological Institute

IGI diamond grading standards include:

• Carat Weight: Measured to the third decimal place using a digital carat scale.
• Clarity: Determined under a microscope with professional lighting, clarity inclusions are plotted on a diamond diagram.
• Color: Graded by comparing it to pre-defined master stones.
• Finish: The finish of a diamond includes: polish, symmetry, and proportions.

IGI offers two types of diamond grading reports, including:

• IGI Diamond Report: This report provides a detailed analysis of the diamond's characteristics.
• IGI Diamond ID: This is a passport-sized document containing detailed information similar to the diamond report, but without a diagram.

An IGI diamond grading report is a reputable certificate, providing a comprehensive analysis of the key factors of a diamond. Owning an IGI certificate helps you prove the origin and quality of the diamond, while also facilitating the buying and selling process.

Types of Domestic Diamond Grading Reports

When trading diamonds in Vietnam, in addition to international diamond grading reports, customers will also see the presence of some domestic grading reports. There are 3 well-known diamond appraisal units currently: PNJ, GIV, and SJC.

See more: How Much is a 4.8mm Diamond Today?

However, in terms of accuracy and reputation, domestic diamond certificates are difficult to match with GIA or AGS. But in terms of financial aspects and convenience, you can consider these appraisal organizations.

Domestic diamond grading report

If you are wondering where to buy quality diamonds, Jemmia is the perfect choice for you. The company always provides 100% unused diamonds with complete documentation. To ensure customer rights, Jemmia's jewelry products are sold at very reasonable prices.

How to Read a Diamond Grading Report

In this article, we will learn how to read a report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as it is the most reliable laboratory in terms of diamond industry grading standards.

GIA has two main reports: a diamond grading report and a Diamond Dossier.

Diamond Grading Report: includes the 4Cs standard – cut, clarity, carat weight, and color, as well as exact dimensions, shape, and a plot of the diamond's inclusions.

How to read a diamond grading report

• 1: Name of the laboratory issuing the report
• 2: Diamond characteristics

GIA Report Number: GIA diamond certificate number, which can be stored and looked up at:       https://www.gia.edu

Shape and Cutting Style: diamond shape and cut style.

Measurements: diamond dimensions, precise to the millimeter.

• 3: 4Cs Grading Results

See more: What is a Natural Diamond? Its Meaning and Value?

Carat Weight: diamond's carat weight.

Color grade: diamond color is graded from D – Z; anything beyond Z is a fancy color diamond.

Clarity grade: clarity is determined under 10X magnification.

Cut grade: refers to the diamond's cut grade.

•  4: Additional Information

Polish: refers to the polish, indicating how smooth the diamond's surface is. Good polish can create sharp and undistorted light reflections.

Symmetry: refers to the comparison of the faceted surfaces that are shaped and formed.

Fluorescence: describes the degree of luminescence when exposed to UV (ultraviolet) light.

Inscription: refers to the number engraved on the diamond's girdle.

• 5: Proportion Diagram showing the cut: % table, depth, angle, and girdle thickness.
• 6: Diamond Clarity Reference Plot: describes internal inclusions and external blemishes.
• 7: Standards Scale: Cut, Color, Clarity via a display of grades.
• 8: Security Features: Security marks such as tri-fold images, embossed seals, or product codes.

Diamond Dossier: Provides similar information to the grading report but without a plot. It includes the laser inscription number on the diamond's girdle for authentication. This report is only applicable to diamonds weighing 0.15 – 0.19 carats.

What Size Diamond Comes with a Grading Report?

In fact, diamonds from approximately 3.6mm upwards (equivalent to ~0.25 carats) can be issued a grading report by reputable organizations such as GIA, IGI, HRD, etc.

Diamonds with grading reports start from 3.6mm and up

How Important is a Diamond Grading Report?

A grading report is one of the most crucial factors in buying and owning a diamond. Even experienced individuals can face the risk of being deceived into buying fake diamonds if they lack a grading report.

Specifically, it relates to the value of a diamond, so it must be carefully appraised to be recognized. Customers can currently have diamonds appraised at appraisal agencies nationwide to ensure quality and get more information about the professional evaluation of the diamond if you are planning to buy.

Diamond grading reports are very important in diamond trading

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Diamond Grading Reports

Can a lost original GIA grading report be reissued?

A lost original GIA grading report can be reissued by sending the diamond to GIA laboratories for appraisal and reissuance. Alternatively, you can quickly check information by entering the girdle inscription number of the stone on GIA's official online archive.

Is a diamond without a grading report fake?

A diamond without a grading report cannot be definitively confirmed as fake, but it will make it difficult to verify its true quality and accurately assess its value. To ensure safety, you should bring the stone to reputable centers like GIA or domestic gemological institutes for appraisal before conducting any transaction.

Should I buy a diamond with only a domestic grading report?

You can absolutely buy diamonds with domestic grading reports to save costs if you trust the appraising entity. However, for high-value diamonds or investment purposes, prioritizing international grading reports like GIA will ensure the best global liquidity and transfer value.

A diamond grading report is not merely a sheet of technical specifications, but rather the highest legal guarantee that xác định the true value and protects the economic rights of the owner. Choosing diamonds with certificates from reputable organizations like GIA will give you complete peace of mind regarding transparency, natural quality, and the ability to maintain sustainable asset value over time.

See more: Diamond Grading Reports: Classification and How to Read Them

We hope the information above has given you a comprehensive view and more confidence when choosing a gemstone for yourself. If you are looking for a perfect diamond with a full international certificate and expert advice, do not hesitate to contact the specialists at Jemmia Diamond for the most dedicated support.