A diamond certificate, or "cert" for short, is like a birth certificate for your diamond. It details every aspect, angle, and dimension of the diamond, including the precise date the certificate was issued. Not only does it guarantee that your diamond is genuine and has been inspected by experts, but it also helps you sell your diamond later at a good price and makes the selling process much easier.
1. IGI (International Gemological Institute)
IGI is a diamond grading institute with numerous branches spread across the globe. It stands out for having the most affordable diamond grading prices among all certificates. It provides good detail on the diamond's grade and characteristics but is less suitable for business-to-business transactions.
2. GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
The GIA diamond certificate is highly popular, especially among diamond traders worldwide. It's a renowned institution from the United States with branches in many countries. GIA is the oldest and most reputable service provider, capable of grading diamonds for both individuals and businesses. It was also the first in the world to establish diamond grading standards.
3. HRD (HRD Antwerp)
The HRD diamond certificate originates from a diamond grading institute in Belgium, a country recognized as the birthplace of diamond cutting and home to some of the world's most beautiful genuine diamonds. Thus, the HRD institute is a complete hub for diamond grading, trading, and cutting. However, it only has one office located in Belgium and does not have branches elsewhere. It focuses exclusively on grading diamonds that are 1 carat and above.
Another institute that also offers diamond grading services, but is less popular, is EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Considered a Jewish diamond grading institute, it only has three offices worldwide. Its drawbacks include slow inspection times and inconsistent lab results, making its standards appear less reliable than they should be. Therefore, despite its serious diamond inspection efforts, this institute is not widely popular today.
Getting to Know the IGI Certificate
The IGI diamond certificate is issued by the International Gemological Institute, which has the most branches globally and specialized labs for grading diamonds and other gemstones. Additionally, IGI directly trains gemologists, offering official and legally recognized courses. IGI certificates provide comprehensive details about the diamond, similar to other certificate types. However, its inspection prices are notably low—the lowest among all popular certificates. The IGI grading service is more suited for individual diamond owners than for business transactions, which contributes to its lower pricing compared to other providers.
How Important is a Certificate, and What Types Are There?
A diamond certificate is extremely important for both buyers and sellers because it guarantees that the diamond is 100% genuine. The inspection process must be thorough to clearly identify all important aspects of the diamond, including its shape, characteristics, facets, and significant inclusions (both visible and those requiring magnification). Some certificates even include detailed diagrams of the diamond's structure, along with clear specifications of its internal facet angles. These details help indicate not only the authenticity of your diamond but also its natural patterns or beautiful cutting, which can command a higher price.
So, if you ask how important a certificate is for buying and selling diamonds, the answer is: very important. If you are selling a diamond, having a certificate will make buyers more confident, leading to smoother, easier, and quicker transactions, as well as better prices. Certificates are categorized into several types, but the most popular ones are the three mentioned above.