| First, let's take a quick moment to go over the 4 | | | | the least bias and most strict in their gradings. |
| C's of diamonds. If you have looked into diamonds | | | | They have set the industry standards. HRD is |
| before you have probably heard of them before. | | | | another lab that I consider to be just as |
| If you are new to this, you are sure to hear | | | | reputable, however it is not very common in |
| about them during your search for an | | | | North America. If you are in Europe, you are |
| engagement ring (or other diamond jewelry). | | | | more likely to come across HRD diamond |
| The 4 C's are: Carat, Cut, Clarity and Color. | | | | certificates. |
| Carat is pretty straightforward - it is the weight | | | | There are a variety of other labs out there. EGL |
| of the diamond. One carat is equal to 200 | | | | operates out of a number of different countries. |
| milligrams. You need a highly accurate scale to | | | | You can find EGL-USA, ELG India or EGL in |
| measure this, but once you do it is as simple as | | | | Belgium to name a few. EGL-USA is considered |
| putting the diamond on the scale. | | | | the best of the bunch, however none of these |
| Cut refers to how well the diamond is cut and | | | | reports are as consistent as AGS or GIA. They |
| how well the angles and proportions work | | | | are often one or two grades "softer" in color or |
| together to produce a brilliant, fiery and full of | | | | clarity. This means that they are more likely to |
| sparkle diamond. | | | | grade higher than AGS or GIA. |
| Color refers to the amount of color present in | | | | IGI and GemScan are two others. IGI has a |
| the diamond. Almost all diamonds have a slight | | | | particularly poor reputation and is known for giving |
| tinge of yellow in them, although it is extremely | | | | out very inconsistent grades. |
| difficult to spot for the most part. Diamonds are | | | | This is very important to keep in mind when you |
| graded from D to Z, with a D graded diamond | | | | are shopping for a diamond. Remember, the price |
| having no color whatsoever. | | | | of a diamond is determined based on the 4 C's. |
| Clarity is a measure of how many "inclusions" or | | | | The higher the gradings - the higher the price! If |
| blemishes are present within the diamond. The | | | | you have a diamond graded by IGI or a lab with |
| grading scale for clarity (from the highest to | | | | a poor reputation, you could end up paying more |
| lowest) is: IF, FL, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, | | | | money than you should simply because the lab |
| SI2, I1, I2. | | | | was overly generous with their gradings. |
| How do you know how a diamond measures up | | | | I suggest only sticking to AGS or GIA. You just |
| in each of these categories? | | | | can't take any risk when you are buying such an |
| You will find all of these gradings on the diamond | | | | important (and expensive!) item. By only shopping |
| grading certificate. A diamond certificate is issued | | | | for diamonds graded by AGS or GIA, you make |
| by a laboratory that will inspect the diamond using | | | | sure you get what you are paying for. |
| specialized equipment. | | | | Go to my website if you want to have a look at |
| However, not all diamond grading certificates are | | | | a Diamond Buying Guide that will help you find |
| created equal. Some labs are much more lenient | | | | that perfect diamond at the perfect price. I see |
| than others. Keep in mind that grades given for | | | | way too many people overpaying for their |
| color and clarity are determined by an individual | | | | diamonds - the guide will show you the secrets |
| while viewing the diamond under magnification. | | | | you need to save a huge chunk of cash on your |
| What one person considers a VS1 diamond may | | | | purchase. I hope it helps! |
| only receive an SI1 grade by someone else. | | | | Take care and all the best in your hunt for the |
| The two top labs are GIA and AGS. They are | | | | perfect diamond! |
| extremely consistent and are considered to be | | | | |