The Essential
Diamond Certificates
Ensuring that your diamond is certified by one of the leading independent and recognized certification laboratories is essential for an unbiased assessment of the quality of the stone. GIA, HRD, AGS, IGI and EGL are the most important grading bodies in the diamond industry and are listed here in strict order.
1. Subtle differences in diamonds can have a massive impact on price, if you are offered a self-certification or other certifications from a less stringent local grading company, the seller can generally improve their margins by doing so.
Please note that comparing such diamonds would NOT be as certain.
Always ask for an internationally recognized certificate to be sure of the diamond’s quality.
2. Even among the 5 internationally recognized certificates, there are differences. In fact, the diamond industry evaluates each diamond against the strict standards of the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Comparing a diamond with a GIA certificate to a weaker IGI or EGL is not an equal comparison. Therefore, similar colours or clarity grade on EGL would be graded 2/3 less if sent to GIA and therefore should command lower prices.
