Is a diamond certificate the same as an appraisal?

No. A grading report describes the diamond's characteristics. An appraisal estimates a monetary value, usually for insurance.

How do I check a GIA or IGI report?

Enter the report number on the laboratory's own website, GIA Report Check or IGI Verify Your Report, and compare the results with the stone and listing.

Does the report say whether a diamond is natural?

Yes. GIA and IGI reports state whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.

Can I see the certificate before buying?

Yes. Where a report is available for one of our loose diamonds, it can be opened as a PDF from the diamond's listing.

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Diamond certificates

A grading report is the diamond's independent description. It should be read before the stone is loved.

What a report is

A diamond grading report, often called a certificate, is issued by an independent gemological laboratory. It records the stone's shape, measurements, carat weight, colour, clarity and, for round brilliants, cut, together with polish, symmetry and fluorescence. It is a description, not a valuation.

GIA and IGI

GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, created the 4Cs grading system and the D-to-Z colour scale. IGI, the International Gemological Institute, grades both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds worldwide. Both laboratories identify whether a diamond is natural or laboratory-grown on the report.

The loose diamonds we currently list are natural. Most of them come with a GIA or IGI report, which you can open from the diamond's listing as a PDF before you buy.

Reading a report

Report number. Unique to the stone, and often laser-inscribed on its girdle.
Shape and cutting style. For example, round brilliant or square emerald cut.
Measurements. In millimetres; useful for comparing face-up size.
Grading results. Carat, colour, clarity and cut.
Finish. Polish and symmetry.
Fluorescence. How the stone reacts to ultraviolet light.
Plotted diagram. A map of the main inclusions.

Verifying a report

Both laboratories offer free online verification. Enter the report number at GIA Report Check or IGI Verify Your Report and compare the details with the listing.

Questions

Is a diamond certificate the same as an appraisal?: No. A grading report describes the diamond's characteristics. An appraisal estimates a monetary value, usually for insurance.
How do I check a GIA or IGI report?: Enter the report number on the laboratory's own website, GIA Report Check or IGI Verify Your Report, and compare the results with the stone and listing.
Does the report say whether a diamond is natural?: Yes. GIA and IGI reports state whether the diamond is natural or laboratory-grown.
Can I see the certificate before buying?: Yes. Where a report is available for one of our loose diamonds, it can be opened as a PDF from the diamond's listing.

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