GIA Certification & Laser Inscription
Items of significant value typically come with important documentation. Houses have deeds, vehicles have titles and registration, and a college education is validated with a diploma. In the same way, when purchasing a diamond one would expect independent support documentation to verify the quality and provide positive identification. This is very important should you need to demonstrate its worth, or at some stage in the future, provide proof of ownership.
The most widely used and recognized means of verifying a diamond’s quality is with a Diamond Grading Report, typically provided by an internationally recognized, non-profit diamond grading laboratory. The best of these is the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America), who we recommend when purchasing a diamond.
The GIA is the world’s foremost authority in gemmology and was established in 1931 as a public benefit institute. The organization is noted for such achievements as inventing the modern jeweller’s loupe (1934), creating the 4Cs (late 1930s), and establishing the International Diamond Grading System™ (1953), which is recognized worldwide as the standard for diamond grading.
The GIA laboratory employs highly trained diamond graders, gemmologists, research technicians and scientists to ensure the highest quality of analysis for every diamond submitted for grading. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds have been graded by GIA laboratory experts, including the legendary Hope Diamond (45.52 carats), the De Beers Centenary Diamond (273.85 carats) and the Taylor-Burton Diamond (69.42 carats).
A report from the GIA provides an expert analysis of the quality of a diamond based on the 4Cs of diamond grading: colour, cut, clarity and carat weight. It also includes a plotting diagram that depicts the diamond’s unique clarity characteristics, such as inclusions and flaws. Since the GIA is not affiliated to any commercial enterprise, the public is assured of the world’s most impartial and accurate analysis of a diamond.
The GIA only grades unmounted diamonds and the fee for services varies based on the weight of the diamond. For an additional fee, the unique GIA Report Registry number can be micro-laser inscribed onto the diamond’s girdle (thin outer edge). This unique number provides added security to the diamond’s owner. The owner can also choose to inscribe a personal message, such as “I Love You” or a special date. The number or wording is permanently registered in the GIA’s archive database.
Diamonds weighing 1.99 carats or less can be issued a GIA Diamond Dossier®. This report provides the same information as the GIA Diamond Grading Report, except for the plotting diagram. The micro-laser inscription of the diamond’s unique GIA Report number is included for each diamond receiving a Dossier at no additional charge.
The most convenient way to obtain a GIA Diamond Grading Report or Diamond Dossier, or to request laser inscription services from the GIA laboratory, is to contact us. We are familiar with the care and handling of diamonds and jewellery and are best equipped to facilitate service arrangements. We are uniquely qualified to advise you on the importance of features discussed in a GIA Grading Report.
