What is a Certified Diamond?

The Facts on EGL and GIA Diamond Certification

Feb 23, 2009 Jenna Galley

Before you make the purchase of a lifetime, make sure you know the facts behind EGL, GIA and the importance of diamond certification in general.

Certified diamonds are assurances of quality on your gemstone purchase. Because a diamond is such an important purchase, a certification will ensure you are making the right choice when it comes to your diamond.

Essentially, a certified diamond is like an x-ray of the diamond. It tells about the measurement, the weight, the shape, the depth, the cut, the clarity, the colour, the quality as well as several other characteristics. Although you do not receive a monetary value on a certification (this is what an appraisal will do), you will receive assurance that your diamond is guaranteed to be of a high standard.

There are several different certification companies in the United States and worldwide. These include the EGL (the European Gemological Laboratory), the AGS (American Gem Society), the IGI (International Gemological Institution) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)

EGL certification is one of the world premier independent gemological laboratories with four different North American labs in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles and New York. EGL laboratories guarantee accurate and professional validation on your gemstone purchase.

EGL Certified diamonds come with a guarantee of fast service, large variety and state-of-the-art equipment. They use cutting-edge research and up-to-date verification processes to ensure your diamond is up to the highest standard.

EGL specialists can also provide you with education about your diamond and Internet accessible certification verification for a simpler process. An EGL certification is an effective and reassuring way to find the perfect diamond.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The GIA is the world’s largest and most respected institute of gemological research. For over 75 years, the GIA has provided outstanding service in gemology. They are considered the experts on diamonds and the godfathers of certification.

This multiple-award winning institution has laboratories, research centers and education centers all over the world including South Africa, Hong Kong and India. Their extensive education on the subject of gemology is impressive to say the least. You can be assured that your diamond is of the highest quality when purchasing a GIA certified diamond.

There are several advantages to purchasing a GIA certified diamond. First and foremost, you know exactly what you are buying. You can rest assured that your diamond is valuable and you will have a certificate that proves it.

A GIA certified diamond also means you will not have to worry about fracture-filled diamonds or synthetic diamonds. This is because fracture-filled diamonds (artificially filled diamonds that may look good but are false) will never be certified by the GIA.

A diamond is forever. Make sure your diamond is up to the quality that you want with an appraised diamond certification.

The copyright of the article What is a Certified Diamond? in Jewelry is owned by Jenna Galley. Permission to republish What is a Certified Diamond? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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