An important rule to remember before purchasing a diamond is to see its certificate (or a diamond grading report). A certificate is generated from a series of laboratory tests where the diamond’s measurement, color, clarity, cut, finish and symmetry are scrutinized.

A common misconception is that certificates also function as appraisals. Although they are similar in that they are both a series of tests performed to determine the value of a diamond—an appraisal focuses primarily on a providing a dollar amount, whereas certificates are culled from unbiased, independent sources and pertain only to the quality and unique characteristics of a diamond.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CERTIFICATION

Did you know that a laboratory certification is not a guarantee? Many consumers will automatically assume that when buying a diamond certified by a recognized authority, such as GIA or EGL, that they are receiving an absolute guarantee. This is simply not true.

There are several recognized authorities on grading. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society (AGS) are probably the most recognized. However, a grading report issued from either of these sources may differ in its final analysis. All diamonds are graded by people, and people make mistakes. Some may even have different opinions, but for now this is the best system available. Just keep this in mind. The grade of a diamond and the brilliance of a diamond are not related. A diamond is basically the grade its going to be when it comes out of the ground. It’s brilliance is not released until its fashioned by a master diamond cutter. Brilliance is defined by GIA as: The interrelationship of the facets and not any specific formula. Even the term Ideal is misleading. Don’t shop for numbers and letters. Shop for beauty and brilliance. For more information about certifications Google: JCK magazine September 1987 Russell Shore, senior editor.