Welcome to the Jewelry Warehouse Diamond Learning Center 

DIAMOND CERTIFICATION

What is a Diamond Certificate?

A certificate is  issued by an Independent Gemological Laboratory.  It is the "blueprint" of a loose diamond. Also called the diamond grading report or diamond dossier, it tells you that it has been examined by experienced diamond graders, using various gemological instruments. it also give you the diamond's exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality.  It precisely points out all the individual characteristics of the stone. Certificates also serve as proof of the diamond's identity and value. 

A certificate is not the same thing as an appraisal. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but it does not place a monetary value on the gem.

All Jewelry Warehouse diamonds over one-half carat come with a lab report graded by a reputable diamond grading laboratory.  These laboratories exist to protect consumers and the diamond industry by creating standards used to grade loose diamonds. Some grading labs may have their own standards and may be more rigid in one category but more lenient in another. The most common independent certification laboratories groups include:

GIA - GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA - www.gia.edu

The GIA is known for having the most strict, consistent and unbiased systems for grading diamonds. Diamonds that are supplied with these diamond grading reports are the most highly valued in the industry, as their quality is considered guaranteed. Indeed, it was the GIA who, over 70 years ago, founded the international diamond grading system which is today used across the world.

AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY - www.agslab.com

The AGS has been issuing diamond grading reports since 1996 and is one of the world's premier reports. With an AGS diamond grading document, you are assured that the grade of the diamond is equal to its quality. As the consumer, you are empowered with detailed information about your diamond, and you can rest assured that the report is one of the industry's most thorough and consistent.

IGI - INTERNATIONAL GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE - www.igiworldwide.com

Founded in 1975, the IGI is one of the world's foremost diamond laboratories. Each diamond is scientifically analysed by several gemologists who, using the latest state-of-the-art grading equipment, provide an accurate description of the characteristcs of the diamond and quality of its cut. The IGI issues approximately 1 million diamond grading reports each year.

EGL USA - EUROPEAN GEMOLOGICAL LABORATORY - www.eglusa.com

EGL USA is one of the largest and oldest independent gemological institutions focusing on gemstone certification and research. Originally part of an international network founded in Europe in 1974, EGL USA became independently owned in 1986 and today has laboratories in New York city, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto.

Why Do I Need a Certificate?

The reason it is important to have a Diamond evaluated by an independent Laboratory is that minute, invisible to the naked-eye, characteristics of a Diamond can have a major influence on the price. Therefore, if not for a great deal of scrutiny on the part of the buyer, it is easy to mistake and purchase a Diamond of lower value, believing it to be of higher value.

 Shopping for graded loose diamonds allows you to make an informed choice about your selections, and to comparison shop. You can compare one diamond with a particular weight and quality with other loose diamonds of similar weight and quality to determine which has the better value.