How to Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate

How to Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate

A diamond grading certificate, also called a diamond grading document, is a report that evaluates a diamond for flaws. Before you purchase a diamond, make sure you know how to read its grading certificate so you don't waste money on a flawed stone, and maximize the diamond's beauty, size, and quality.
Part 1
Edit
Determining the Provider

1
Understand that some companies call their reports "certificates" when they aren't. Many laboratories call their documents "certificates"; however, this can be misleading to a consumer. If you read the back of these documents, even the ones that print "certificate" on them, the fine print on the back states that they only "certify" that a gemologist or several gemologists have graded the diamond. They also state that the report is "no guarantee", and therefore, by definition, does not certify the quality that they are documenting.
The only retail establishment using an ISO laboratory that actually issues a certificate is Tiffany & Co. They do certify and guarantee the quality of their diamonds.
Image titled Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate Step 1
2
Recognize a report provided by HRD. Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD), or "Diamond High Council," is Europe's counterpart to the GIA. HRD's grading certificates are legal documents in the eyes of the European Union.
Image titled Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate Step 2
3
Spot a report by the PGGL. The Precision Gem Grading Laboratory (PGGL) in Philadelphia, PA, uses ImaGem's Direct Measurement technology for objective diamond grading. ImaGem's technology grades diamonds based on measurement of color, clarity, fluorescence and light behavior. They have the capability to support all grades with numerical measurements.
Image titled Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate Step 3
4
Identify a grading done by the IGI. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) mostly conducts appraisals for diamond engagement rings.
Image titled Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate Step 4
5
Look for a grading from the AGS. The American Gem Society (AGS) grades and evaluates diamonds based on their cut grade from 0 (most desirable) to 4 (least desirable).
Helpful?
Image titled Evaluate a Diamond Grading Certificate Step 5