Loose certified diamonds are essentially polished diamonds that have been studied under laboratory conditions by a qualified gemologist to produce a report detailing various specifications unique to that particular diamond. A diamond does not always have to be certified. Loose diamonds are purchased either singly or in parcels, (also called a brefke) in multiples, and are only certified if the decision has been made to send the loose diamonds to a diamond grading laboratory. There are many diamond grading laboratories worldwide in such cities as New York, Antwerp, Tel Aviv and Mumbai. Many are recognised internationally for providing very high standards of diamond grading. Attributes of the diamond that are recorded include the shape, weight, diamond colour, clarity, measurements, proportions, symmetry, polish and presence of any fluorescence. The combination of such factors as colour, clarity, cut and carat weight make up the main factors that determine the value of the diamond (known as the 4 C's.)
One of the reasons loose certified diamonds are popular is due to reassurance. The diamond grading report will provide the consumer with some reassurance that the diamond is what is quoted when the stone is purchased. It is also a valuable record in case of loss, which can be presented to the insurance company. Not all loose diamonds are certified though, and the certificate will not necessarily add value to the diamond. It merely supports the grades attributed to that diamond. Usually it is diamonds above 0.40cts and better colour and clarity grades that are certified, although any diamond, irrespective of colour and clarity grade, can be certified within a laboratory. This way it is possible to purchase cheap certified diamonds, or expensive certified diamonds. There are many different laboratories as mentioned above. These are primarily as follows. Firstly the GIA diamond laboratory is very well recognised. This stands for the Gemological Institute of America. Abbreviated GIA. They provide full reports and more popularly, smaller dossier reports. Larger full reports will usually contain a map of the diamond with any inclusions marked on the diagram, representative of the diamond itself.
Also very popular is the International Gemological Institute (IGI) based in Antwerp. IGI India also provide a large quantity of diamond certificates. Like GIA, their reports vary in size and detail from credit card sized certificates to larger folding full certificates similar to A4 size, complete with diamond map. HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) are based in Antwerp and provide a similar service. AGS are the American Gem Society. They have a reputation for some of the highest standards in the industry and are very highly respected in the field of diamond grading. Although their grading system uses its own system to grade diamonds, these translate into common terminology used for diamond grading. Examples of all of the above certificates can be found on our web page on certified diamond, accessed by the link above to diamond information. Finally, EGL are the European Gemological Laboratory. Based in Antwerp and New York, they too provide a range of services all related to diamond grading and certification.
Certified Diamonds Loose Diamonds
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