| "Are you about to buy a diamond? Buyer Beware | | | | fluorescence, colour grade, measurements, |
| - Make sure you are dealing with a reputable | | | | proportions and finish grade but they never |
| diamond retailer!" | | | | mention the value of the diamond. |
| What does this mean? How do I tell if the retailer | | | | Be even more cautious of website dealers who |
| is reputable or not? | | | | issue their own 'in house diamond certificates' or |
| Buying a diamond can be a scary undertaking | | | | 'manufacturer's grading reports' as these simply |
| these days. There is an abundance of information | | | | are NOT independent certificates and they are |
| available to consumers, but not all of it is accurate. | | | | NOT from a recognized laboratory. |
| Hopefully we can clear up a few of the myths | | | | A diamond certificate, is only useful if it is reliable |
| and give you some guidelines. | | | | and has been issued by a reputable independent |
| Apart from teaching you the basics about | | | | laboratory which has no financial interest in the |
| diamonds and the 4 C's, diamond buying guides | | | | stone. If you've never heard of the institution that |
| usually also advise consumers that they should | | | | is offering a grading report, don't hesitate to ask |
| shop at ethical, honest and reputable retailers? | | | | about its credentials and that of the people who |
| Always insist to see the original diamond | | | | graded the diamond. Diamond grading laboratories |
| certificate, this way you can see which laboratory | | | | which grade to IDC International Diamond Council |
| graded the diamond. The quality of the certificate, | | | | rules, do not just use the opinion and expertise of |
| or lack thereof, goes a long way towards telling if | | | | one person. They must grade the diamond and |
| you are dealing with someone reputable and | | | | have the opinion and consensus of three qualified |
| professional. | | | | diamond graders before the grade is applied to |
| A diamond certificate or diamond grading report is | | | | any diamond. |
| only as good as the laboratory who issued it. The | | | | A diamond certificate should not be judged by its |
| certificate should come from a reputable, | | | | appearance and graphic design. Just because |
| independent and recognized laboratory.Diamond | | | | someone calls themselves a laboratory or opens |
| certificates from respectable labs, meaning GIA, | | | | up a business to do diamond certificates and |
| HRD, AGS or DCLA, are totally necessary if you | | | | valuations after having completed a gemology |
| want to compare diamonds intelligently. | | | | course, that does not mean they have the |
| If you are unsure we suggest you do some | | | | needed technical equipment, qualifications, |
| investigation. | | | | knowledge and expertise. |
| Laboratories such as GIA, HRD, AGS and DCLA | | | | These small local labs often lay claims of being |
| issue grading reports of the highest international | | | | independent, recognized, and having state of art |
| standards. All of these diamond grading | | | | equipment but what about the qualifications of the |
| laboratories utilize strict procedures, have the | | | | directors, graders and that of the person who |
| most advanced equipment, and affiliations which | | | | graded the diamond? Did they test for all types |
| meet the strict requirements for recognition by | | | | of treatments and any enhancements? Do they |
| international trade organizations. | | | | guarantee that the diamond is natural? Was the |
| It is up to you, the consumer, to verify the | | | | diamond laser inscribed using a cold laser? Do they |
| credentials of a diamond grading laboratory and | | | | grade diamonds to set international rules and |
| the diamond dealer. | | | | standards? |
| If when buying a diamond the jeweler tells you | | | | It is one thing to produce great looking certificates |
| that buying a certified diamond is unnecessary, or | | | | but it is extremely important that the certificate |
| that there will be an extra charge associated with | | | | or grading report has accurate information and is |
| an independent certificate we suggest that you | | | | technically correct. |
| be extremely cautious and shop for diamonds | | | | As a consumer, the diamond certificate or grading |
| elsewhere. | | | | report is your safe guard when buying a diamond. |
| Valuations or appraisals are NOT the same as a | | | | Diamond certificates are invaluable documents |
| diamond certificate or grading report. | | | | that show in detail a diamond's credentials, so why |
| A diamond certificate documents the complete | | | | wouldn't you check the credentials of the |
| quality and description of the diamond, it includes | | | | laboratory who graded the diamond and the |
| information on shape, carat weight, clarity, | | | | retailer or diamond dealer as well? |