Diamonds have been sought after and admired for thousands of years, but only at the beginning of the 20th century objective grading of diamonds and other gemostones was possible. The oldest gemological organization is the Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, founded in 1931 in Los Angeles, California.
Since the GIA’s founding, other organizations have been created to meet rising worldwide demand for diamond certification. These include: the Hoge Raad voor de Diamant (HRD Antwerp), which is a popular certifier for European diamond transactions and the IGI (International Gemological Institute), founded in 1975. The IGI remains the oldest laboratory in Antwerp.
The Process of Certification
The GIA, IGI and HRD have training programs designed to bestow Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) degrees to successful students. A gemologist carefully examines a diamond using special tools and techniques for qualities known as the 4 C’s – colour, carat, clarity, and cut. This objective assessment is a crucial piece of information for buyers and sellers of diamonds, and jewels over half a carat (100 mg) are almost always accompanied by a gemologist’s assessment.
In the GIA’s case, the gemologist’s assessment is contained in a Diamond Grading Report. IGI’s laboratory assessment is simply called a Diamond Report. In either case, basic information such as carat weight, colour grade, clarity and cut grade is clearly identified.
Ja-Diam is Your Source for Certified Diamonds
Ja-Diam has a large selection of diamonds which have undergone the rigorous certification process. With certifications on hand, you’ll know exactly what to expect with your diamond, giving you peace of mind. Contact our office today to learn more.
