| You have made up your mind to get your lady a | | | | than the GIA in terms of the proportion of |
| diamond. You're prepared for the cost and | | | | the diamond you purchase.The American Gem |
| you've got her parents approval. The only | | | | Society Laboratory (AGSL) was founded in |
| problem is, you've never done this before and | | | | 1996. Just like its parent organization, the |
| you've heard of so many diamond scams, you | | | | American Gem Society, the AGSL is dedicated |
| don't know who to trust.First things first: | | | | to setting a new standard in the grading |
| you need to find yourself a jeweler that you | | | | industry. They aim to provide consumers (the |
| can trust. One who is honest and will not rob | | | | couple who will be the final owners of the |
| you blind. You need someone who will be | | | | stone) with reliable, unbiased and creditable |
| willing to walk you through the process of | | | | reports on the quality of the diamonds that |
| finding the perfect diamond for you and your | | | | they purchase. They are considered the top in |
| lady without charging you an arm and a | | | | the field for grading the cut of a diamond; |
| leg.The most honest jewelers will also | | | | in fact they are the often the preferred |
| provide you with a certificate of the diamond | | | | laboratory if the gem in question is being |
| that you choose. It is best that the | | | | certified as an ideal cut.The International |
| certificate come from one of the laboratories | | | | Gemological Institute was founded in 1975 and |
| renowned in the industry for their | | | | is one of the leading gemological institutes |
| impartiality and ability to properly identify | | | | worldwide. They seek to provide the consumers |
| your diamonds attributes. The must trusted in | | | | with a reliable report on their diamonds. As |
| this field are the following:The Gemological | | | | they see it, without a certification, a |
| Institute of America (GIA) is considered the | | | | diamond has no history, it is just a gem. The |
| world's leading authority on gemology. | | | | certificate is the equivalent of the passport |
| Founded in 1931, this non-profit institution | | | | of the gems and jewelry that they certify.As |
| developed the famous four C's method of | | | | the consumer, it will now be your task to |
| grading diamonds. They are well known for | | | | check that you are being given the right |
| their gem grading and identification | | | | certificate. Check that the name of the |
| services, not just in diamonds. They are | | | | laboratory that certified your gem is one of |
| considered the most unbiased and accurate in | | | | those listed above. One diamond scam to keep |
| the field, usually giving conservative | | | | your eyes open for is having certificates |
| grading. Diamonds with a GIA certificate | | | | from laboratories with similar initials as |
| normally sell at about three to five percent | | | | those of the above institutions. You may end |
| higher than other gems because of this | | | | up with a certificate from the Gemological |
| guaranty of quality.The European Gemological | | | | Institute from Antarctica which is not what |
| Laboratory is an independent laboratory, | | | | you need at all.Lesley-Ann Graham runs - a |
| considered one of the premier in the industry | | | | valuable wedding planning resource with |
| worldwide. Though not as strict as the GIA in | | | | articles, tips and advice to help you plan |
| their grading reports, they are usually | | | | your perfect wedding. |
| reliable and provide a more detailed report | | | | |