If you’re looking for added confidence when purchasing a diamond, a diamond report can help provide peace of mind. It’s something we understand at Harper Tait - all our diamonds over 0.25ct are GIA certified.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the most respected and widely recognised diamond grading labs in the world. A GIA report is a physical certificate which accompanies the diamond, detailing the unique characteristics of the stone and providing an official report of its grading.
In addition to their grading report, GIA also offers laser inscription. Here, the graded diamond is inscribed with its report number, helping identify the diamond and link it to the report.
Not all GIA-certified diamonds have inscriptions. Laser inscription is an optional service offered by GIA, so while it is common for high-value diamonds to be inscribed, not all GIA-certified diamonds will be.
Understanding a Diamond GIA Certificate: Reading the Inscription
If you do have a laser-inscribed diamond, how do you read it and what will it tell you?
What is a GIA inscription?
A GIA inscription is a series of letters and numbers, laser-engraved onto the diamond’s girdle, the thin edge around the centre of the diamond. As you might imagine, this inscription is tiny, and so magnification is required to find and read it. A jeweller will typically read an inscription through a loupe or microscope.
This inscription alone won’t tell you much about the diamond, only that it has an accompanying report. The unique identification number you see on the diamond can be entered on the GIA website, allowing you to access its specific report. You can also cross-reference this number in the GIA report database to verify the authenticity and quality of the diamond. And it is this GIA report that tells you everything you need you know about your diamond.
Reading a GIA certificate
The GIA diamond grading report is where you’ll find detailed information about your diamond. This grading report provides a comprehensive analysis of a diamond’s individual characteristics, including carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. Understanding diamond quality is crucial as it directly impacts pricing and valuation.
Explore diamond clarity in more detail here.
These ‘four Cs’ are key factors in determining the value of a stone. But the GIA certificate also includes further detail, including the dimensions, polish, symmetry, and fluorescence of your diamond.
A GIA certificate even allows you to visualise what the diamond looks like without needing view - or view under magnification - the diamond itself. The GIA report includes a diagram of the top and bottom facets of the diamond, plotting the location and type of any inclusions and blemishes.
How do you know if a GIA certificate is real?
With GIA certification being so sought after by diamond purchasers, it is perhaps no surprise that there are fake GIA reports in circulation.
The authenticity of a GIA certificate can be checked on their website. Head to the GIA Report Check page, and enter the report number. If it is a genuine GIA report, an online copy of the report will appear. It is also crucial to verify that the diamond is a natural diamond to ensure its authenticity and value.
Of course, if you’ve bought your diamond with Harper Tait we guarantee the authenticity of all our diamond and GIA reports. It’s just one more way we give you peace of mind in your important purchase.
Read more: How to tell a real diamond from a fake .
Why buy a GIA-certified diamond?
We think buying a diamond with GIA certificate is an important part of the purchasing process - and here’s why.
Diamond grading is designed to make the process of valuing and purchasing a diamond clear. So many factors influence the beauty, and therefore cost, of a diamond, and the ‘four C’s’ grading system helps formalise the standards. GIA diamonds are globally recognized for their reliability and credibility, providing buyers with confidence in their purchase.
However, there is always some subjectivity in diamond grading. There are a number of diamond grading labs, and the standards each one grades to are not exactly the same.
A GIA graded diamond is evaluated by the most stringent and respected of diamond grading bodies. GIA grades diamonds using the 4 Cs and other criteria, ensuring a detailed and reliable assessment. A GIA certificate will be recognised and respected throughout the diamond industry, something not true of all reports.
Your GIA certificate is an unbiased and expert evaluation of a diamond’s quality, ensuring you know exactly what you are buying. With its comprehensive analysis of the individual diamond, a GIA report helps you make an informed decision.
And while you will hopefully never have to part from your diamond, a GIA report can help if you do decide to sell or upgrade your stone in future. With a GIA-certified diamond, you won’t experience the disappointment of a diamond being graded lower than you believed.
What to look for in a GIA report
A GIA report is your diamond’s passport, providing a detailed evaluation of its characteristics. When examining a GIA report, pay attention to the following:
The 4Cs : Ensure the report includes the carat weight, color, clarity, and cut of the diamond.
Proportions, Symmetry, and Polish : These factors influence the diamond’s overall appearance and brilliance.
Inclusions and Blemishes : The report will detail any internal or external imperfections.
Fluorescence : This refers to how much the diamond reacts to ultraviolet light, which can affect the diamonds appearance under certain lighting conditions.
Certification Number : This is a unique number that can be used to verify the report on the GIA website, confirming the diamond’s authenticity.
By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision about your diamond purchase.
How we can help!
If you need any diamond guidance, rest assured - we’re the experts!
We can help verify the authenticity of natural diamonds, ensuring you get the best quality. Whether you want us to show you the ropes or hold your hand throughout, we love to demystify the world of diamonds. Book a zoom or store consultation to begin. Or find your perfect diamond wedding ring or diamond engagement ring in our collection
