Why Is Diamond Certification Important?
Key Takeaways
- Diamond grading is a technical process to determine the physical and chemical characteristics, as well as the actual commercial value, of a gemstone. This activity helps buyers avoid the risk of counterfeit...
Diamond grading is a technical process to determine the physical and chemical characteristics, as well as the actual commercial value, of a gemstone. This activity helps buyers avoid the risk of counterfeit goods, while also serving as a legal basis for pricing and product trade-ins in the market.
Join Jemmia in learning the details about GIA, GIV, GRA certificates and how to accurately read the standard parameters through the following article.
Diamond grading certificates
Each type of grading certificate reflects a different valuation standard and scope of use. Choosing which certificate to use depends on the owner's need for international or domestic transactions. Below are the details of 3 common types of grading certificates.
GIA diamond grading certificate
GIA is the most reputable diamond grading standard in the world, issued by the Gemological Institute of America. A GIA certificate is a global "passport," ensuring absolute objectivity about quality and serving as the basis for diamond valuation on all international trading platforms. According to industry statistics, more than 90% of high-quality diamonds on the global market today are backed by GIA certification.
The grading certificate provides complete and scientific information about the structure, shape, lines, color, cut, weight and proportions of each diamond. The grading certificate also contains information about the methods applied to treat the diamond. This is considered the standard for quantifying the origin and value of each diamond on the market.
See more: Which Diamond Ring Designs Under 5 Million Are Beautiful?
GRA grading certificate
GRA specializes in grading the quality of Moissanite stones and is not used for natural diamonds. This is a scientific and technical organization that deeply evaluates the unique characteristics of this synthetic stone line.
The biggest difference is that GRA focuses on a standards system suitable for Moissanite, helping users clearly distinguish it and avoid confusing it with natural diamonds.
See more: How to preserve diamond jewelry in 8 ways to always keep it like new
GIV diamond grading (Vietnam)
GIV (Vietnam Gemstone – Gold and Jewelry Institute) is a leading domestic grading organization. GIV certificates are suitable for domestic transactions, helping optimize appraisal costs and time while still ensuring extremely low deviation compared to international standards.
3 common types of diamond grading certificates
How to read a diamond grading certificate
Let's learn the meaning of the parameters on diamond grading certificates. This will help you better understand how to read the certificate and clearly determine the quality of each product.
- GIA/ GRA/ GIV Report Number: The unique code assigned to each diamond; this code is one of a kind and no gemstone has the same code as another.
- Shape and Cutting Style: The shape and cut of each diamond. On the market today, there are about 10 common cut styles such as round, oval, pear...
- Measurements: The dimensions of each diamond; if it is a round stone, it is measured by the smallest diameter x largest diameter x depth. The unit is millimeters.
- Carat Weight: The weight of the diamond, measured in carats.
- Color Grade: The color grade, or the color/water clarity of the diamond. The value scale ranges from D to Z.
- Clarity Grade: The clarity of the diamond. The value scale is IF, VVS1, SI 1 – 7.
- Cut Grade: The craftsmanship quality of each diamond.
- Polish: The finishing quality of each product; the evaluation criteria include polish and symmetry.
- Fluorescence: The fluorescence of each diamond, showing how strongly or weakly each diamond disperses under ultraviolet light.
- Comments: Other assessments not included in the grading certificate; this is often used to indicate a special feature of the product.
- Clarity Characteristics: The characteristic, distinctive signs of the diamond.
- Proportions: The parameters used to evaluate the quality of the diamond's cut.
- Security features: Security parameters to certify that the diamond has been graded by the organization.
Guide to reading a diamond grading certificate
Latest diamond grading fees
Diamond grading costs are usually proportional to the size (ly) 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: The result is usually available after 48 working hours.
See more: What Is G Color Diamond? Should You Buy a G Color Diamond?
Where is the diamond grading center? Where can you test diamonds?
Diamond grading in Hanoi
If you are in Hanoi and need gemstone grading, you can refer to the following reputable addresses:
- Vietnam Gemstone – Gold and Jewelry Institute, 61 Ngo Thi Nham.
- Gemological Institute – Vietnam Gem Association, 10B Tang Bat Ho.
Diamond grading in Ho Chi Minh City
Similar to the need for diamond grading, below are reliable gemstone grading centers in HCMC for your reference:
- Jemmia Diamond store with officially imported equipment from GIA helps you quickly check whether diamonds are real or fake in just 03 seconds. – 72 Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1.
- Gemstone and Gold Research – Grading Center (VGC), 91 Dinh Tien Hoang.
- Agribank gemstone grading center, 91 Dinh Tien Hoang.
- Vietnam Gemstone, Gold and Jewelry Institute, 110 Tue Tinh.
- DOJI LAB – 4th Floor, Ruby Plaza, 44 Le Ngoc Han.
- Gemological Institute – Vietnam Gem Association, 10B Tang Bat Ho.
Domestic diamond grading locations
Diamond grading is the only legal proof that protects the rights of the owner. Whether you buy for jewelry or investment, prioritizing stones with GIA or GIV certificates is the safest way to ensure the asset's value does not fluctuate over time.
With the above knowledge related to diamond grading, we hope this information will help you feel secure when choosing suitable diamonds that meet your personal needs.
