If you are a fine jewelry enthusiast and often shop for gemstone jewelry, especially diamond rings and other pieces adorned with diamonds, you must have come across the term GIA certified. Wondering what does that mean and what is a GIA diamond? Well, in this article, we are going to talk about exactly that in depth.
So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee and read on…
To Start With, What Is GIA?
Short for the Gemological Institute of America, GIA is an independent, nonprofit institute that is known for being at the forefront as far as research and education in gemstones and jewelry are concerned. That’s not all, it is also known for educating gem professionals.
Did You Know?
That the GIA has been a leading authority on everything related to gemstones since 1931.
Coming Back To…What Is a GIA Diamond?
The Gemological Institute of America is also responsible for setting internationally followed standards for determining diamond quality. One of its main functions is to grade diamonds by putting every stone that comes its way through a series of stringent tests to determine its authenticity and quality.
For the same, the Gemological Institute of America created the 4Cs – diamond clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. These are used as a universal system for evaluating and determining the quality of any diamond worldwide.
To help you understand these 4Cs better, we have listed below how each of these helps decide a diamond’s quality and price.
| Clarity | The number, size, type, relief, and placement of the natural inclusions and blemishes on a diamond affect the stone’s clarity i.e., its transparency and brilliance. |
| Color | Absolutely colorless and near-colorless diamonds are considered extremely valuable. The stones with slight hints of yellow and brown rank the lowest on a color grading scale. |
| Cut | The right cut will enhance the diamond’s fire, brilliance, and sparkle which ultimately makes it look more beautiful. |
| Carat Weight | The size/weight of a diamond plays an important in determining the stone’s value. Its price will increase with even a slight increase in its carat weight. |
Diamonds graded by the GIA on the basis of the above-mentioned quality standards are called as GIA diamonds. And every GIA diamond comes with a GIA certificate.
What Is a GIA Certificate?
For starters, the term ‘GIA certificate’ is inappropriate as the Gemological Institute of America doesn’t certify diamonds or their value, but grades them. However, in the jewelry industry, ‘GIA certified’ is a common term given to diamonds that have gone through GIA’s stringent grading process and the detailed reports that come with them.
The GIA certificate or grading report is a document that features a complete scientific and objective analysis of the diamond’s 4Cs. This specifically helps in establishing the stone’s quality, authenticity and also understanding whether it has been treated or not. The report also offers a complete description of the diamond in question in terms of its color, cutting style, clarity, carat weight, and overall measurements.
This document makes it easy for buyers to compare and pick a stone of their choice that also suits their budget.
Why Does a GIA Report Matter?
Diamond jewelry is expensive and you definitely don’t want to be duped. To make sure that you are investing in a piece that’s worth your money, you need to be absolutely sure about it being authentic and of good quality. A GIA diamond report guarantees you the same. And so, you can rest assured knowing that an objective third party has tested the gem for quality and authenticity.
Are All Diamonds GIA Diamonds?
All the diamonds available in the market today are not evaluated and graded by the Gemological Institute of America. However, there are a large number of them that are and this huge volume is a result of the trust that most sellers as well as buyers have in GIA’s accurate diamond grading process.
You should know that if a diamond is graded by GIA, it will always come with a GIA grading report that features a detailed evaluation of the stone’s 4Cs. Also, every GIA report has a unique number, often inscribed on the diamond’s girdle, which can be used to access the organization’s online global report database. Here, you can easily check if the diamond in question is graded by the GIA and also see all the grading information related to it.
Is a GIA Diamond More Expensive?
Calling a GIA diamond expensive will be wrong if the comparison is based only on the price tag. Anything that’s of high quality will have a higher value. Moreover, as far as a GIA diamond is concerned, you can rest assured knowing that you are getting a quality stone that’s worth your money.
However, if you still wish to compare the price, make sure that the two diamonds in question have the same characteristics as far as the 4Cs are concerned. Also, they are both GIA-graded stones.
Now that you know what is a GIA diamond, let’s tell you where you can easily find stunning GIA-certified jewelry.
At Angara, you can get your hands on a variety of handcrafted gemstone jewelry graded by GIA. What’s more, all our pieces come with a certificate of authenticity to help you make a confident purchase.
The best part? You can customize your favorite diamond earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings and all other gemstone jewelry pieces according to your style and preference. All you need to do is pick the gemstone quality grade, carat weight, and metal of your choice.
You have finally made up your mind about surprising your bae with a romantic proposal and an even more beautiful ring? Check out our vast collection of diamond engagement rings and find a piece that is sure to make your partner fall in love with you all over again!
Also Read: GIA-Certified Gemstones – What Makes Them Special?
