There are so many considerations to be made when choosing a diamond ring. This is why diamond certification is essential if you want to be completely sure your fiancé receives a gift they will cherish for a lifetime. 

Luckily, you won’t have to worry about anything if you rely on Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers for your diamond ring shopping. Our vast collection features the best engagement rings in San Diego which come with all the necessary certificates so you can be at ease.        

What is a certified diamond? 

A diamond certificate or a diamond dossier is a document obtained from a third-party laboratory which describes the characteristics of a diamond in detail. There are several laboratories which offer diamond certification, the most popular being GIA, IGI, AGS, GSI, EGL, and HRD.

Diamond certificates or reports vary among different laboratories in terms of the information they contain. Still, all labs provide information on the most significant characteristics of the diamond, including the 4 Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight), the length and width as well as some details about the diamond’s polish and symmetry.  

Should you buy a diamond without a certificate?

Is diamond certification truly necessary? Well, receiving a certificate with your purchased diamond is the only real assurance of your diamond’s quality and identity. Without a certificate, you won’t have any proof that the stone you purchased is worth what you paid for it. 

The best way to go about buying a loose diamond or diamond jewelry is to ask your jeweler to present a certificate on the spot. A reputable seller should have no problem complying with this request and will take the time to explain the qualities of a diamond presented in the document. Be wary of jewelers who refuse to show you the certificate straight away, as well as those who promise to send you the certificate after you’ve purchased the diamond.  

Another thing you should keep in mind is that some jewelers will try to scam the customer by giving them a certificate that doesn’t match the diamond you bought. Luckily, you can check this fairly easily by visiting the website of your certification lab and verifying your grading report. 

Which diamond certification lab is best? 

So which diamond certification should you look for when purchasing a diamond? If you live in the United States, you will most likely come across grading reports and certificates from the following laboratories: 

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) 

Image source: https://www.gia.edu/

GIA is a non-profit laboratory that is widely considered the gold standard in the diamond certification industry. Ever since 1931, GIA has been the most respected, consistent and exacting diamond grading laboratory. The GIA grading includes details about the diamond’s measurements, 4 Cs, evaluation date, fluorescence grade, symmetry, polish, and more. 

AGS (American Gem Society) 

The AGS certification is the second most popular diamond grading option in the United States. Often compared to GIA, the AGS is known for their 0-9 cut grade scale (where the 0 grade is considered “ideal”) as well as their sophisticated approach to diamond grading. However, keep in mind that an AGS certified diamond may be rated 1-2 grades higher than it would be if it were certified by GIA since their grading system is slightly looser.   

IGI (International Gemological Institute) 

IGI is a for-profit diamond grading laboratory that used to be a popular choice for many jewelry chains in Europe and the U.S. However, lax grading standards and factory-like work ethics has made the IGI certification significantly less reputable and less consistent in comparison to GIA and AGS. 

Looking for the best engagement rings in San Diego? Look no further!

The best way to ensure an enjoyable diamond ring shopping experience is to reach out to seasoned experts who can help you with every step of the process. Reputable jewelers will use their vast knowledge and expertise to help you find a high-quality diamond ring that best encapsulates the love you feel for your significant other. 

Fortunately, you won’t have to search for too long if you live near Downtown San Diego. At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you can browse a vast collection of certified colorless and colored diamonds of all shapes and sizes. Visit us today!