What Are Certified Diamonds?

DIAMOND FACTS | DIAMOND BUYING GUIDE

Diamond Color | Diamond Clarity | Diamond Weight | Diamond Cut| Diamond Fluoroscence | Diamond Certificates

Diamond Certificates: A certificate is a "blueprint" of a diamond, it tells you the diamond's exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It precisely points out all the individual characteristics of the stone. Certificates also serve as proof of the diamond's identity and value.

Note that a certificate is not the same thing as an appraisal. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but it does not place a monetary value on the gem.

There are many diamond labs that issue certificates, but the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) are the two most widely regarded and recognized diamond grading labs in the world. All Sndgems diamonds featured in our Diamond Store are certified by one of these two labs. Click here to see an interactive version of a GIA grading report.

There are many diamond grading labs in operation, many of which produce their own grading reports. Different labs have different grading standards, and some labs will be more lenient with their standards than others. Sndgms sells only only GIA- or EGL-certified diamonds, as these labs have consistently demonstrated their commitment to standards that are high as Sndgems. If you do elect to buy a diamond elsewhere, always ask for credentials of the certifying lab.

Retailers who do not sell certified diamonds and seem to be considerably cheaper than other retailers

Retailers who can not present the original copy of the report

Retailers who offer to provide you with only a copy of the original report. Sadly, some unscrupulous retailers might produce several “certificates” by altering original reports and making copies.

If you are considering purchasing a diamond of any significance, you want to be sure you are purchasing a certified diamond from a retailer who can produce the original report.