Diamond Testing: Why Is It Important?
Key Takeaways
- Diamond testing is a technical process to determine the physical, chemical properties, and actual commercial value of a gemstone. This activity helps buyers avoid the risk of counterfeit goods and serves as...
Diamond testing is a technical process to determine the physical, chemical properties, and actual commercial value of a gemstone. This activity helps buyers avoid the risk of counterfeit goods and serves as a legal basis for valuing and trading products in the market.
Join Jemmia to learn in detail about GIA, GIV, GRA diamond certificates and how to read parameters accurately through the following article.
Diamond Certificate
Each type of certification reflects a different valuation standard and scope of use. The choice of certificate depends on the owner's international or domestic transaction needs. Below are details about 3 popular types of certificates.
GIA Diamond Certificate
GIA is the world's most reputable diamond grading standard, issued by the Gemological Institute of America. A GIA certificate is a global "passport" that ensures absolute objectivity of quality and serves as the basis for diamond valuation on all international exchanges. According to industry statistics, over 90% of high-quality diamonds on the current world market are guaranteed by GIA certificates.
The certificate provides a comprehensive and scientific description of the structure, shape, outline, color, cut, weight, and proportions of each diamond. The certificate also contains information about any treatments applied to the diamond. This is considered the standard for quantifying the origin and value of each diamond on the market.
Read more: What Are The Most Beautiful Diamond Rings Under 5 Million VND?
GRA Diamond Certificate
GRA specializes in grading Moissanite gemstones and is not used for natural diamonds. It is a scientific and technical organization that deeply evaluates the specific characteristics of this synthetic gemstone.
The biggest difference is that GRA focuses on a standard system suitable for Moissanite, helping users clearly distinguish it and avoid confusion with natural diamonds.
Read more: How to Keep Diamond Jewelry Always New: 8 Ways
GIV Diamond Certificate (Vietnam)
GIV (Vietnam Institute of Gemstones – Gold and Jewelry) is a leading domestic grading unit. GIV certificates are suitable for domestic transactions, optimizing costs and grading time while ensuring a very low margin of error compared to international standards.
3 popular diamond certificate types
How to Read a Diamond Certificate
Let's explore the meaning of the parameters on diamond grading reports. To better understand how to read the certificate and clearly determine the quality of each product.
- GIA/ GRA/ GIV Report Number: A unique number for each diamond; no two gemstones share the same number.
- Shape and Cutting Style: The shape and cut style of each diamond. There are about 10 popular cut styles on the market today, such as round, oval, pear shape…
- Measurements: The dimensions of each diamond. For round diamonds, it is calculated as the smallest diameter x largest diameter x depth of the pavilion. The unit is millimeters.
- Carat Weight: The weight of the diamond, measured in Carats.
- Color Grade: The color grade, or the color tone, the whiteness of the diamond. The scale ranges from D to Z.
- Clarity Grade: The clarity of the diamond. The scale ranges from IF, VVS1, SI 1 – 7.
- Cut Grade: The craftsmanship quality of each diamond.
- Polish: The finishing of each product, with criteria including Polish and Symmetry.
- Fluorescence: The fluorescence of each diamond, indicating the strength of light dispersion under ultraviolet light.
- Comments: Additional assessments not included in the certificate, often used to highlight the product's uniqueness.
- Clarity Characteristics: Distinctive and unique inclusions of the diamond.
- Proportions: Parameters that assess the quality of the diamond's cut.
- Security features: Security features to authenticate that the diamond has been graded by the organization.
Guide to reading diamond certificates
Latest Diamond Testing Fees
The cost of diamond testing is usually proportional to the size (diameter) of the stone. Below is a reference fee table at reputable grading centers:
| Size (mm) | Reference Grading Fee (VND) |
| 2.50 – 2.99 | 60,000 |
| 3.80 – 3.99 | 160,000 |
| 4.50 – 4.99 | 350,000 |
| 5.40 – 5.99 | 600,000 |
| 6.50 – 6.99 | 1,020,000 |
| 8.00 – 8.29 | 2,160,000 |
| 10.00 – 10.49 | 7,800,000 |
Note: Results are typically available after 48 working hours.
Read more: What is a G-Color Diamond? Should You Buy a G-Color Diamond?
Where to Get Diamonds Graded? Where to Check Diamonds?
Diamond Grading in Hanoi
If you are in Hanoi and need gemstone grading services, you can refer to the following reputable addresses:
- Vietnam Institute of Gemstones – Gold and Jewelry, 61 Ngo Thi Nhiem.
- Gemological Institute – Vietnam Gemstone Association, 10B Tang Bat Ho.
Diamond Grading in Ho Chi Minh City
Similarly, for diamond grading needs, here are reliable gemstone grading centers for your reference:
- Jemmia Diamond Store with officially imported equipment from GIA, allowing you to quickly check for real or fake diamonds in just 03 seconds. – 72 Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1.
- Vietnam Research & Gemstone & Gold Testing Center (VGC), 91 Dinh Tien Hoang.
- Agribank Gemstone Testing Center, 91 Dinh Tien Hoang.
- Vietnam Institute of Gemstones, Gold and Jewelry, 110 Tue Tinh.
- DOJI LAB – 4th Floor Ruby Plaza, 44 Le Ngoc Han.
- Gemological Institute – Vietnam Gemstone Association, 10B Tang Bat Ho.
Diamond grading locations domestically
Diamond grading is the sole legal proof protecting the rights of the owner. Whether you are buying for jewelry or investment, prioritizing stones with GIA or GIV certificates is the safest way to ensure that your asset's value does not fluctuate over time.
With the knowledge related to diamond grading above, we hope this information will help you feel confident when choosing suitable diamonds that meet your needs.
