| SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE | | | | be independent but are nothing more than the self |
| SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE50% OFF Valued at | | | | grading arm of the merchant or retailer selling the |
| $9 995 Now Selling at $4 995How many times | | | | diamond.So what should the consumer look for? |
| have you seen advertising like this? When it | | | | You have taken the time to do some research |
| involves diamond jewellery almost certainly the | | | | and realise how important a diamond certificate is, |
| diamond does not have an independent grading | | | | now be sure the certificate you get is in fact |
| report or certificate and the valuation is over | | | | from a recognised independent grading laboratory. |
| inflated.The past few years have seen an | | | | If you are unsure ask the following questions.Does |
| increase in consumer awareness regarding | | | | the laboratory that issued the certificate have the |
| diamond certification. This has had a very positive | | | | equipment to detect synthetic or treated |
| effect on reducing the problems encountered by | | | | diamonds? Is the laboratory independent or is it |
| consumers buying diamonds. More and more | | | | owned or run by the person or company selling |
| consumers are demanding a diamond certificate, | | | | the diamonds? Does the lab have an internationally |
| and the ability to sell with inflated valuations has | | | | recognised diamond master set for colour |
| been restricted.The downside unfortunately to all | | | | grading? Is the laboratory recognised by any |
| this has been the emergence of 'pseudo' | | | | international or local trade body? Does the lab |
| laboratories, lacking the equipment and not | | | | grade to an internationally recognised standard?If |
| professionally recognised. Many of these have | | | | you cannot get the answers to these questions |
| sprung up to find a loophole around having to | | | | stick to the laboratories that do meet these |
| obtain an independent grading report from a | | | | criteria. Look for the independently certified |
| recognised laboratory. The 'certificates' they | | | | diamonds trust mark.For more information see |
| produce look official but there is little or no | | | | and to learn about the laboratories that are |
| substance behind the grading. In some cases the | | | | recognised. |
| 'laboratories' issuing these documents purport to | | | | |