When it comes to diamonds for an engagement or wedding ring, the truly perfect ones are those that represent the marriage of beauty and quality. As one of the first significant investments for couples, in both the emotional and financial sense, it is imperative to get to know as much details about the stone prior to purchase.
One of the best ways to make certain that you are getting your money’s worth is to go for diamonds that were graded by trusted independent laboratories. In jewelry markets around the globe, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) are among the most prominent gem grading labs. These institutions follow strict, international guidelines and standards; and give unbiased diamond grading reports.
“Jewelry customers should know what they are buying.” -GIA
GIA Diamonds
The Gemological Institute of America is the most recognized and trusted non-profit source of diamond knowledge in the world. It was established in 1931, originally as an education and research facility. The 4Cs of diamond quality, used to describe and classify diamonds, was developed by GIA founder Robert M. Shipley in the early 1940s. Though it was already in the 1950s that it was officially established as an International Diamond Grading System, following the issuance of the first GIA diamond grading report in 1953.
With a standard grading scale, it has become much easier for both sellers and consumers to determine the characteristics and value of precious rocks. According to GIA, the creation of the 4Cs gave way to two essential things in the diamond jewelry market — having a universal language to communicate diamond quality, and customers knowing exactly what they are getting.
The Institution remains at the forefront of gemological developments and continues to operate with unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity. Hence it is no wonder that jewellers and buyers of natural diamonds worldwide show high preference towards GIA-graded diamonds. With robust procedures in place, their clients are assured of grading reports that objectively represent a diamond’s characteristics.
The easily understandable GIA Natural Diamond Report includes an assessment of the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight (4Cs) of the piece of diamond being evaluated, along with a plotted diagram of its clarity characteristics and a graphic representation of the stone’s proportions. GIA also issues a Diamond Origin Report that identifies the gem's country of origin.
IGI-graded Diamonds
The International Gemological Institute is an independent third-party grading institution that is also well-recognized, particularly in Asia and Europe. Established in 1975, it is the largest diamond, colored stone and jewelry certification organization with 20 laboratories operating in different locations around the world. IGI evaluates and grades loose diamonds, colored gemstones, as well as finished jewelry creations. The Institute is also identified as the world’s first gemological laboratory to hold ISO 17025 accreditation in both natural and lab grown diamond grading.
IGI uses state of the art technologies to determine whether a piece of diamond is naturally mined, laboratory grown or simulated. In 2005, the Institute pioneered the full grading of lab grown diamonds. It was a welcome innovation to manufacturers, retailers, and consumers as it provides important details they need to make informed purchasing decisions.
Value for Money
Before saying yes to that eye-catching piece, take your time to get to know more about the diamond you want to set on your ring and your possible other options. This purchase is going to be one of the most momentous you’ll make as a couple, so make sure to get the best value for what you are willing to spend.
The true beauty and quality of a diamond piece does not reveal itself at first glance to untrained eyes, which makes diamond grading reports from reliable labs like GIA and IGI really valuable especially to those who wish to make a confident purchase.
Take note though that diamond grading reports are not the same as appraisals. As pointed out by the GIA, the reports provide an objective assessment of a diamond’s quality but not of its monetary value in the market. Don’t hesitate to ask your jeweller for further information on this.
Trusted Partner
As it is our desire at Meycauayan Jewelries (MJ) to give our clients that added layer of value to their purchases, we use GIA and IGI graded diamonds on our handcrafted engagement and wedding rings and on other fine pieces of jewelry that we create. Keeping true to our mission of empowering our customers with both knowledge and confidence on the products that they choose, we ourselves continuously work to earn additional credentials as Applied Jewelry Professionals (AJP).
Both owners of MJ, Maria Aleta Dionisio and Aeia Garcia, have the designation of GIA-AJP and industry-recognized certifications on Colored Stone Essentials, Diamond Essentials, and Jewelry Essentials. Our staff are also GIA-trained.
Learn more about Diamonds from our experts at Meycauayan Jewelries.
