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DISCOVER DIAMOND CERTIFICATION

Shimansky Jewellery GIA official report for diamonds

The importance of diamond certification

A diamond certificate, also known as a diamond dossier, is a formal document detailing a diamond’s unique characteristics, especially its cut, carat weight, colour and clarity, and may also include its finish (polish and symmetry), fluorescence and additional comments.

The most widely recognised diamond grading laboratories are the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). Trusted worldwide, these grading laboratories are favoured among the world’s most famous and reputable jewellers.

Certification by a reputable diamond grading laboratory is your assurance of a diamond’s quality and serves as proof of your diamond’s identity. Diamond grading laboratories are completely unbiased in their grading processes. If a diamond is graded by a laboratory, such as the GIA, EGL or SGL, one can be certain that the information stated on the diamond certificate is accurate, and that the diamond will not fall victim to inflated grading.

Shimansky Jewellery GIA certificate report with Shimansky diamond inspection kit

But what makes a diamond certificate so important? Without it, proving your diamond’s unique characteristics and identity can be tricky. The diamond would have to go for independent testing in order to establish its grading – when purchasing a certified diamond, this step is already completed.

The certificate also aids in the process of valuation, as an expert valuer needs the information on this certificate in order to determine the monetary value of your diamond (both for insurance purposes and in the case of a re-sale). The certificate is there, not only as proof of your diamond’s characteristics, but also for your peace of mind. When you buy a house, you receive title deeds.

A diamond is no different. Certification is also important because it acts as proof to the customer when purchasing a diamond. A sales executive will show the diamond certificate to the customer when the diamond is being viewed, in order to prove that the diamond on show has the grading on its price ticket..

Shimansky Jewellery Close up GIA report

It is important to understand what each of the different elements on the certificate mean. If you are uncertain about anything, ask the sales executive to explain it to you. When purchasing a certified diamond from Shimansky, you’ll receive the original diamond grading certificate which documents your diamond’s unique characteristics – the 4Cs. 

For further peace of mind, a laser inscribed diamond contains a unique diamond identification number on its girdle, matching it to the diamond certificate. This unique identification number, in letters no larger than a few micron, serves two purposes: firstly, to trace the origin of the diamond and secondly, as further security to trace the diamond back to its owner.

When purchasing a diamond from Shimansky, you are guaranteed through your lifetime, that what is stated on your certificate, is what you purchased. All Shimansky diamonds over 0.5ct, and most diamonds of 0.3ct to 0.5ct, are accompanied by a diamond certificate.

Shimansky Jewellery Drawing of a diamond cut with microscope and inspection tool

It is important to note that a diamond certificate is not the same as an appraisal or valuation certificate. A diamond certificate states the characteristics of a diamond, but does not place a monetary value on the stone. If you want to insure your diamond, you’ll need an appraisal or valuation certificate which is a written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value of the item described.

Unlike a certification document, an appraisal tends to be less objective, as it relies on estimations. These estimations are influenced by the availability and production of diamonds, global economic trends and economic recessions. Because the factors that influence the appraisal fluctuate, it is advisable to have your diamond appraised on a regular basis.

Knowing the importance of a diamond certificate significantly minimises the risk of a non-reputable jeweller taking advantage of a customer’s ignorance. A reputable jeweller will always have certification on-hand. If in doubt about the reputability of a jeweller, and the authenticity of a diamond, follow your instinct. A little bit of research and a second opinion could make all the difference in assuring your purchase is legitimate.