Everything You Need to Know About Diamond Certificates: What is an AIG Diamond Certificate?
You may have heard people say that when purchasing a real diamond, it must come with a certificate, and that the certificate should be issued by a recognized and reputable gemological institute. A diamond certificate, also known as a diamond report, is a document that verifies a diamond's authenticity. It includes important details such as carat weight, size, shape, clarity characteristics, and overall quality. Certified diamonds are considered more trustworthy and generally more expensive than those without certificates.
Commonly recognized certificates include those from GIA, HRD, and IGI — and there’s also the AIG certificate, which we’ll explore in detail.
What is an AIG Diamond Certificate?
The AIG Diamond Certificate is issued by the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences, a gemological institute based in Hong Kong. AIG certificates are generally more affordable to obtain than those from other major institutes. However, they are less well-known and considered less credible than certificates from organizations like GIA, HRD, and IGI.
Each institute uses different grading standards and technologies, which affects the overall trustworthiness of the certificate in the eyes of both consumers and jewelers.
AIG vs. GIA: What's the Difference?
GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America, is the most reputable gemological institution in the world. Headquartered in the United States, GIA has offices in multiple countries and is renowned for setting the original international grading standards for diamonds.
Diamonds with GIA certificates are ideal for investment purposes and are easier to resell. GIA is widely recognized and trusted 100% in the industry. It issues certificates only for diamonds 0.30 carats and above.
In contrast, AIG certificates have lower market recognition and less resale value due to the lower credibility of the issuing institute.
Types of GIA Certificates
GIA offers two main types of diamond reports:
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Full Report (Large Certificate): For diamonds over 1 carat, includes a detailed diagram of the diamond’s inclusions and blemishes.
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Dossier (Small Certificate): For diamonds under 1 carat, does not include a plotted diagram.
GIA previously moved to digital-only certificates, but later reinstated paper certificates after facing usability issues and customer feedback.
Can You Sell a Diamond Ring Without a Certificate?
A common question: Can diamond rings or jewelry without a certificate be sold?
Yes — they can be bought and sold, but often at significantly lower prices, sometimes even 50% less. To increase the diamond’s credibility and value, it’s recommended to submit it for independent certification. That way, you can verify it’s a 100% natural diamond, giving buyers more confidence.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to diamond certificates, not all are created equal. While AIG certificates are legitimate, GIA certificates are the gold standard in the industry. GIA’s global reputation, rigorous testing, and consistent grading make it the most trusted option.
So if you’re investing in diamond jewelry or planning to resell in the future, choosing diamonds with a GIA certificate is your safest bet.