| Having a certificate with your diamond is very | | | | those by their competitors, so expect a discount |
| beneficial because there are several things that it | | | | for IGI and EGL certified diamonds. You don't |
| does for you. First of all, it lets you know that | | | | have to worry so much about HRD, but if HRD |
| your diamond has been inspected and certified by | | | | were in the United States, you would expect to |
| one of the world known diamond labs. The | | | | pay a pretty penny for diamonds with their |
| diamond grading labs that you may find a | | | | certification. Just know that a diamond does not |
| certificate from are HRD, EGL, GIA, AGS, and | | | | grow in value with a certification. A high value |
| IGI. These five labs ensure that all details such as | | | | diamond simply results in high quality ratings on its |
| the cut, carat, color, and clarity of the diamond | | | | certificate. The certificate then gives credibility at |
| are defined on the certificate. That way you | | | | the time the diamond is purchased. The |
| know what it is you're buying. | | | | certification also makes selling or trading your |
| Three of these diamond grading labs, Gemological | | | | diamond a lot easier. |
| Institute of America (GIA), European Gemological | | | | Which is best? |
| Laboratory (EGL), and the American Gem Society | | | | The benefits are clear and the different diamond |
| (AGS) are very well known. Hoge Raad Voor | | | | grading labs help you make an informed buying |
| Diamant (HRD) certificates are good, but they are | | | | decision. However, they are not created equal. |
| only offered in Belgium. The International | | | | The one that gets a lot of attention is GIA |
| Gemological Institute (IGI) grades those diamonds | | | | because it is non-profit and they have one |
| that many say will sell for a lower price because | | | | location. This is opposed to EGL, which has 9 |
| their grading is "softer". | | | | locations worldwide. EGL is also not consistent in |
| Are all certifications equal? | | | | the quality of their grading. EGL and IGI are good |
| The truth is that all certifications are not equal. | | | | and trusted labs and are more "forgiving" when |
| However, there is one way in which they are the | | | | grading a diamond, so the results are that the |
| same and that is in the fact that you know you're | | | | prices of EGL and IGI diamonds are lower when |
| getting a genuine stone. Without a certification, | | | | compared to GIA and AGS certified diamonds |
| you really have no idea whether or not you're | | | | with equal characteristics. |
| getting something that is real. The certificate also | | | | Deciding which certified diamond to buy is really a |
| influences how much you pay for your diamond, | | | | matter of preference. Like the color, clarity and |
| so that means you need to decide what aspects | | | | other characteristics of the diamond, you have to |
| of a diamond is most important to you. | | | | choose the certificate according to your needs. |
| Fortunately, you have a certificate to help you | | | | Do some reading and think how much the |
| figure those things out. | | | | "quality" of the certificate is important to you. You |
| In the United States, the certifications you are | | | | have a range of options when choosing the color |
| most likely going to see are from AGS and GIA. | | | | cut or clarity so don't forget to explore your |
| These are the most trusted sources because | | | | options when it comes to your certificate. |
| they are the two industry leaders. However, | | | | Whatever you do, don't get a non-certified |
| these diamonds will be more expensive than | | | | diamond. |