Diamond Certification & Grading Reports

All of the Diamonds we sell are independently graded and certified, whether you are buying a mined diamond or a lab grown diamond. An independent Diamond Grading Report is your guarantee that your diamond has not been subject to any kind of treatment and it's also your guarantee that the diamond specifications you would like, are what you are buying.

When purchasing a diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, certification is one of the most important factors to consider. A diamond certificate, often referred to as a grading report, is your assurance of the diamond's quality and authenticity. It provides a detailed analysis of the diamond's characteristics, ensuring you know exactly what you're paying for.

In this blog, we'll explore what diamond certification is, why it's important, and the key differences for natural and lab-grown diamonds.

What is Diamond Certification?

Diamond certification is an independent evaluation conducted by professional gemological laboratories. These certifications provide detailed information about a diamond's characteristics, including the famous "4 Cs":

  1. Carat weight
  2. Colour
  3. Clarity
  4. Cut

For lab-grown diamonds, additional details like the production method (CVD or HPHT) are often included. Certification ensures transparency, so you can confidently compare diamonds and make informed decisions.

Why is Certification Important?

  1. Authenticity:
    Certification confirms whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown, and ensures it is not a simulant like cubic zirconia or moissanite.

  2. Quality Assurance:
    It provides an unbiased evaluation of the diamond's quality, protecting you from exaggerated claims by sellers.

  3. Resale Value:
    Certified diamonds hold better resale value, as their characteristics are verified by a reputable authority.

  4. Transparency:
    Certification helps you compare diamonds objectively, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Key Laboratories for Diamond Certification

Several gemological laboratories are recognised worldwide for their stringent standards. Here are the most trusted organisations:

  1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA):

    • The GIA is the gold standard for diamond certification, known for its rigorous grading and accuracy.
    • They certify both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

  2. International Gemological Institute (IGI):

    • IGI is widely used for lab-grown diamonds and is known for its accessible pricing and global presence.

  3. American Gem Society (AGS):

    • AGS is known for its focus on diamond cut and its unique grading scale.

  4. HRD Antwerp:

    • Popular in Europe, HRD Antwerp is recognised for certifying both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

  5. GCAL: Becoming more well known, especially for Lab Grown Diamonds

Natural vs. Lab-Grown Diamond Certification

While both natural and lab-grown diamonds are evaluated on similar parameters, there are a few key differences in their certification processes:

Aspect Natural Diamonds Lab-Grown Diamonds
Origin Verification Certifies the diamond was mined from the Earth. Certifies the diamond was grown in a laboratory.
Inclusions May include natural inclusions from the Earth. May include unique inclusions from the growth process (e.g., metallic flux).
Production Method Not applicable. Certification often specifies HPHT or CVD growth.
Common Labs GIA, AGS, HRD Antwerp IGI, GIA, HRD Antwerp

How to Read a Diamond Certificate

Understanding your diamond certificate is crucial to evaluating its quality. Here's what you should look for:

  1. Diamond Specifications:

    • Carat Weight: Indicates the size of the diamond.
    • Colour Grade: Ranges from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
    • Clarity Grade: Measures the presence of inclusions, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I).
    • Cut Grade: Assesses the diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish (e.g., Excellent, Very Good).

  2. Laser Inscription:
    Many certified diamonds have a microscopic laser inscription on the girdle, matching the certificate number for easy identification.

  3. Additional Information for Lab-Grown Diamonds:

    • Growth method (CVD or HPHT).
    • Disclosure of any post-growth treatments, such as colour enhancements.

Can I Get a GIA-Certified Lab-Grown Diamond?

Yes. While the GIA initially only graded natural diamonds, it now issues full grading reports for lab-grown diamonds, just as rigorous as those for mined stones. At NZ Jewellers we can supply lab-grown diamonds with GIA certification: browse our lab-grown diamond feed and filter by certificate, or tell us the specifications you want and we will source a GIA-certified stone for your custom ring design. Every GIA report number is laser-inscribed on the diamond's girdle and can be verified on the GIA website.

What to Watch Out For

  1. Uncertified Diamonds:
    Avoid purchasing diamonds without certification. These may have undisclosed flaws or inflated quality claims.

  2. Misleading Certifications:
    Not all grading labs are equal. Stick to reputable organisations like GIA or IGI for reliable evaluations.

  3. Check the Certificate Number:
    Verify the certification online through the issuing lab's website to ensure its authenticity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Certification

1. Are certified diamonds more expensive?
Certified diamonds might appear slightly more expensive, but the certification ensures you're paying for quality and transparency, making it well worth the investment.

2. Can lab-grown diamonds be GIA certified?
Yes, the GIA certifies lab-grown diamonds, although IGI is more commonly used due to its focus on lab-grown gems.

3. Is a certified diamond better than a non-certified one?
Yes, a certified diamond is objectively evaluated by an independent laboratory, ensuring you know its exact quality and value.

4. Can I trust online diamond certifications?
Always verify the certificate on the issuing lab's official website. Trusted labs like GIA, IGI, and HRD Antwerp provide online verification tools.

Conclusion: Certification is Key

Whether you're investing in a natural or lab-grown diamond, certification is essential for ensuring quality, transparency, and value. A certified diamond gives you the confidence to make informed decisions and protects your investment.

Ready to explore certified diamonds? Browse through over half a million certified Lab Grown Diamonds and certified Natural Diamonds.

How to read a Diamond Grading Report

Lab Grown

The lab grown diamonds that we sell are the world's first fully traceable,100% Climate Neutral and Sustainability Rated diamonds, and this is noted on their certification. Each diamond is also laser inscribed with a unique identification code. Lab Grown Diamonds have identical physical, optical and chemical properties as earth mined diamonds. The only difference is their point of origin and the price.

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MINED DIAMONDS

Diamonds are among nature's most precious and beautiful creations. We want you to enjoy the very best that mother nature and human ingenuity has to offer. Certification is just as important to us as it should be to you. By only selling diamonds certified by gemological world leaders we know we are offering you the very best diamonds that we can. We will also triple check everything throughout your purchasing process, to ensure that each and every diamond we sell has the specifications to provide maximum light refraction and sparkle!

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CanadaMark® Diamonds

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CanadaMark® Diamonds

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FAQs

CanadaMark® diamonds are responsibly mined in Canada's Northwest Territories. They are known for their ethical sourcing, exceptional quality, and traceable origins, ensuring each diamond is natural, untreated, and conflict-free.

Each CanadaMark® diamond comes with a unique certificate number, which verifies its authenticity and origin. This certification guarantees that the diamond has been ethically mined and tracked from its source to the final product.

Yes, CanadaMark® diamonds are of exceptional quality. They undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure they meet high standards of colour, clarity, and cut, making them a beautiful and responsible choice for your jewellery.

In today's global landscape, traceability has become essential, especially in light of concerns around sourcing from conflict-affected regions. CanadaMark® diamonds offer full transparency, assuring you that your diamond is responsibly mined in Canada and fully traceable from its origin. This traceability guarantees that your diamond is not only beautiful but also ethically sourced, aligning with a commitment to avoid diamonds from conflicted regions, including areas impacted by geopolitical issues.