When considering the purchase of diamonds, one of the first things most people look into is certification. After all, evaluating this aspect ensures that the diamond has undergone rigorous testing and grading process. 

Across the world, you can find a variety of trustworthy grading laboratories, like NGTC, GSI, GSL, HRD, AGS, IGI, EGL, GIA, and more. Each lab has a different grading method and standards of rating. 

But, out of all these labs, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is regarded as the most reliable and trustworthy lab as far as the grading standards in the diamond industry are concerned. So, if you're ready to buy diamonds, this post will take you through everything that you must know about GIA Certified diamonds.

What is GIA?

The Gemological Institute of America, abbreviated as GIA, was founded back in 1931. It is a non-profit, independent organization that conducts thorough R&D in the industry. GIA is also known for defining and setting grading standards for the quality of diamonds and educating professionals in the gem industry.

GIA makes sure that the grading standards of diamonds are impartial. Thus, the organization keeps its operations inaccessible and away from commercial valuation, pricing and trading of diamonds. 

All these years, GIA has achieved the position of being a reputable and dependable gemological lab. It uses modernized and urbane instruments to evaluate diamonds. 

What are GIA certified diamonds?

In a way, GIA doesn't certify diamonds but grades them. More so, the document containing the results of the diamond evaluation is not called a certification but is known as a report. It has become a common practice in the industry to call diamonds GIA-certified, but it is more contradictory.

gia-certified-diamonds

Thus, GIA certified diamonds simply are the diamonds that have undergone laborious assessment in the GIA lab and come with a report that contains every necessary information. If you've heard about the 4Cs of diamond (carat, clarity, cut, and color), know that this evaluation standard was developed by GIA. 

How does the GIA grade diamond?

As mentioned above, the GIA is a third-party, independent lab that grades diamonds. They don't have any financial stake in diamond grading. All of the steps taken for the grading process ensure complete secrecy and impartiality in the reports. This simply means that with this report, you can rest assured of an honest and fair representation of quality. 

In their processes, the most crucial part is the 4Cs – Carat, Clarity, Color and Cut. The GIA offers a report comprising a grade on each of these 4Cs. A lot of graders work autonomously to make sure the assessment is accurate and fair. 

The GIA also provides information on the proportions of diamonds, mostly the table size, width, and depth. Not just that, you can also expect more details, like laser inscription, fluorescence, symmetry, polish, inclusions and blemishes. 

While these extra details are not as important as the 4Cs grading but can still leave an influence on the diamond's overall beauty. 

Understanding the GIA Report

GIA prepares a gamut of reports for diamonds. On the basis of people's requests and the diamond type, these reports are issued. Here are some of the considerable reports that can be procured from GIA: 

  • Diamond Grading Report

This report comprises a complete evaluation of 4Cs of such diamonds that weigh 0.15 carats or more. 

  • Diamond Origin Report

In this report, you will find a complete assessment of 4Cs of diamond with a weight of 0.15 carats or more, along with their geographic origin. 

  • Diamond Dossier

The diamond dossier is another report that includes a complete evaluation of 4Cs with a number laser inscription for such diamonds that have a weight between 0.15 carats to 1.99 carats. 

  • Diamond E-Report

This e-report contains a 4Cs assessment of diamonds with a weight between 0.15 carats and 2.99 carats. 

  • Diamond Focus Report

This report comprises a complete assessment of 4Cs along with the number laser inscription. This report is generated for natural, loose diamonds that are under 0.40 carats. 

Are all diamonds GIA-certified?

No, not every diamond is certified by GIA. They can be certified from some other labs, non-certified or self-certified. However, a diamond is only known to be a GIA certified diamond if it has been graded by this organization's lab. 

In some situations, it is completely fine to purchase non-certified diamonds. But buying GIA diamonds makes them valuable. This way, you can enhance the verification and authenticity of your diamonds. 

Are GIA Certified diamonds more expensive?

As compared to non-certified diamonds, GIA certified diamonds are more expensive. In the retail price of diamonds, the cost of grading is generally factored by diamond manufacturers. Considering that GIA holds the utmost respect and reputation in the industry, the graded diamonds come at a premium price when compared to diamonds graded or certified by other labs.

However, you must keep in mind that diamonds are expensive in themselves. Thus, buying them correctly is extremely important. You wouldn't want to spend your money on an inauthentic purchase. 

Hence, choosing GIA certified diamonds is advised as it will secure your money investment and provide you peace of mind that you made the right choice. 

Where to buy GIA Certified diamond jewelry?

Lifestyle Fine Jewelry is one of the best diamond-purchasing platforms that has been in the industry for more than two decades. It's one of the leading diamond retailers with 33 outlets in some of the respected shopping malls in Bahrain and UAE. 

lifestyle-gia-certified-diamonds

They specialize in diamonds, semi-precious and precious stones, pearls, 18K gold, and customized handcrafted jewelry items. If you're looking for stylish and elegant diamond pieces, try Lifestyle Fine Jewelry's inventory for best-in-class.

Final Thoughts

A grading report of a diamond from GIA is one of the superior methods to make sure you were not duped with your diamond purchase. For instance, if you're spending a huge sum on a flawless, beautiful diamond piece, you would want to know that the grades shown are nothing but accurate. 

Keep in mind one grade difference in the cut, clarity, or color can have a huge impact on the overall price. This is why it is important to get grades from a reputable and trustworthy grading lab that is recognized for its neutral reports in the industry.