Diamond Certification: The Secrets No One Tells You

You’re shopping for engagement rings. You’ve found a few diamonds that have caught your eye. You’re wondering what diamond certification is and how much it matters. Should you buy a diamond that’s GIA certified? 

Well, that depends. In our post, we answer your burning questions about diamond certifications. We outline what you should know about certificates, including a few secrets we’re sharing here for the first time.

What is Diamond Certification? 

Diamond certifications are issued by a gemological lab and describe a diamond’s specs such as its color, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond certification helps you verify what it is you’re buying. 

There are many gemological labs that provide diamond certifications, including the GIA, EGL, DGC, HRD, IGI, and others.

Diamond Certification Chart

In the diamond certification chart below, we breakdown the major lab entities in the global diamond industry.

Diamond Certification Gemological Lab
AGS diamond certification American Gem Society
DGC diamond certification Diamond Gemological Certification
EGL diamond certification European Gemological Laboratories 
GCAL diamond certification Gem Certification & Assurance Lab
GIA diamond certification Gemological Institute of America
GSI diamond certification Gemological Science International
HRD diamond certification Hoge Raad voor Diamant, translated as Diamond High Council
IGI diamond certification International Gemological Institute 
SGL diamond certification Solitaire Gem Labs

Comparing Diamond Certifications

Each gem lab has its own standard for grading diamonds, and no single lab entity is the best. Some labs are stricter, while others are more lenient. In general, the GIA is the strictest of all the gemological grading labs.

Because each lab has its own methods and standards, it’s difficult to compare diamonds graded by different lab entities. Let’s say we have two diamonds to choose from. One is a 1 carat SI1 H graded by the GIA. The other is a 1 carat VS2 G diamond with an EGL international certificate. Looking at the certificates alone, it’s impossible to compare two diamonds because the lab grades have different meanings. 

That’s why it’s best to compare diamonds graded by the same gemological lab, such as two diamonds certified by IGI. Look at GIA diamonds next to GIA diamonds, and EGL diamonds next to EGL diamonds when reviewing specs and prices.

It’s important to note that before 1931 when the GIA began issuing certifications, diamonds were priced and sold based on how they looked. There were no paper reports that stated the color or clarity of a diamond. Diamonds were solely selected based on how they looked, and that should still be the most important consideration when buying a diamond today.  

What a Single Grade on a Certificate Means 

On a diamond report, several qualities of the diamond are described. For instance, you’ll see a clarity grade. Clarity grades range from FL diamonds (flawless) to I3 diamonds (obvious inclusions). There are only 10 clarity grades total on the scale. That means all the millions of diamonds in the world fit into these 10 categories. 

Within a single clarity grade, there are thousands of diamonds. Among SI1 diamonds alone, you’re bound to find significant differences between two diamonds—along with significant price differences. You might find a horrible looking SI2 GIA diamond, or a stunning SI2 GIA diamond. You might see an F color SI1 clarity diamond priced at $3,000, while another diamond with the same grades from the same lab is priced at $5,000. 

Beyond grading, there are other qualities of a diamond that impact its beauty and price. Cut quality, including symmetry and proportions, plays a role in the diamond’s brilliance. That’s why the appearance of the diamond is more important than the specs. When shopping for a diamond, it’s critical to look at the diamond itself, instead of just its diamond report. 

The Truth About GIA Certifications 

Many diamond jewelry experts consider the GIA to be overly strict in their grading standards. Because the GIA grades are so strict, the quality of the diamond is often not appreciated unless you’re looking at the stone under 30x magnification. While you may think that strict grading would be a positive, the grading differences are so minute that they cannot be appreciated by you—the retailer customer. This means that you’re paying for aspects that you’ll never be able to see or notice. 

While you want to ensure you get a premium diamond, choosing one with a GIA certificate that meets every criteria can be extremely expensive. 

If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond that looks incredible to the naked eye and stays within a budget, we don’t recommend a GIA certified diamond. By choosing a diamond with a certification from a more lenient lab allows you to find an exquisite diamond at an outstanding price.

Should I Buy a GIA Certified Diamond? 

You shouldn’t buy a GIA certified diamond, unless you care about the prestige of the lab name on your diamond report. You can find a beautiful diamond at a lower price point by choosing a different diamond certificate, such as one from the EGL or DGC. The difference will be the name on the certificate, which you’re unlikely to worry about over the coming decades when wearing your ring.  

Let’s say you have a $3,000 engagement ring budget, and you’re looking for a certain color, clarity, and cut grade. You may not be able to afford a GIA diamond with those specs—it might cost $7,000. The other option is to buy a diamond with those specs but is graded by a different lab entity. You can still find a beautiful diamond within your budget that looks great and is certified. 

Now let’s say there are two similar diamonds—one with a GIA certification and one with an EGL diamond certification. 

The first diamond is a 1-carat H I2 diamond certified by the GIA that costs $6,000. The second diamond is a 1-carat EGL F SI1 diamond for the same price of $6,000. The EGL diamond might sound like the better deal, because you are getting a better grade for the same price. But because the GIA grades more strictly, it’s likely that the diamonds are in fact more similar in appearance and beauty than the specs first seem. In this case, if the certificate name is important to you, go with the GIA diamond. If the lab name doesn’t matter to you, and you prefer the look of the EGL diamond, go with that one. 

3 Key Factors When Considering Diamond Certification 

Diamond Certification

When shopping for diamonds and comparing their certifications, follow these top tips from our diamond jewelry experts.

1. Assess the Diamond’s Appearance

Looking at a diamond is the best way to determine how much you like it and how much beauty it has. Looking at a certificate and the diamond’s specs won’t tell you how the diamond actually appears. 

When buying online, we recommend a vendor who offers free returns with a money-back guarantee. If the diamond doesn’t meet your standards when it arrives, you can send it back without issue. If you’re shopping in person, look at the diamonds up-close before buying. 

In the end, you and your partner are the ones who will be admiring the diamond for years to come. It’s most important that you’re happy with how it appears. No certificate can tell you if you like the appearance of a diamond and how beautiful it is.

2. Decide if You Care About the Gem Lab Name

Some diamond buyers are concerned with the lab name on their diamond report. They want to see the GIA name on their paper. Others aren’t concerned by the lab name, and are comfortable with a diamond that’s certified by the IGI, DGC, or EGL. 

Beyond the lab entity’s name, some buyers want a certain grading to be listed on their report. They want an F color diamond, for example. If an F color diamond is important to you, going with an IGI or EGL certificate allows you to achieve that F color grade at a lower price than you’d pay to get an F diamond from the GIA.  

3. Compare Prices Within Gem Lab Certs

When buying a diamond, you want to be confident of the quality of the diamond for the price you’re paying. Because each gem lab grades differently and there are thousands of diamonds out there, it can seem difficult to understand what you’re getting for what you’re paying. 

The best way to ensure you’re getting good value for your money is to purchase from a diamond vendor who is trustworthy and offers competitive prices. What’s the easiest way to assess this? Look at diamonds from different online vendors to gauge the price difference. 

Compare diamonds with the same specs given by the same gem lab. For example, compare 1 carat VS2 F diamonds graded by the EGL at one online shop to other 1 carat VS2 F diamonds graded by the EGL at a different online vendor. By looking at similarly graded diamonds, you’ll get an idea of which vendor offers the best price based on the certificate and specs.

If I Buy a Diamond with a Certificate Other than GIA, Can I Resell It? 

Yes, you can definitely resell a diamond that has a certificate from a lab other than the GIA. A diamond is a diamond and always maintains value. 

Some shoppers have mentioned that jewelry stores and online vendors give the advice that they should only buy GIA diamonds, because that’s the only lab that can be trusted. They’re told that if they buy a diamond with a different certificate, they won’t be able to resell it. 

Well, that’s just not accurate. If you buy a GIA diamond, you pay more for it up front, and the resale value is also higher. If you buy a DGC diamond, you pay less upfront, and the resale value will also be less. The value is relative, just as the resale value is.

Keep in mind that a diamond is a retail product. No matter what lab certification your diamond has, you won’t be able to sell it back for the same price you paid. Diamonds lose some value on their original purchase price, whether it has a GIA certification or not. 

First and foremost, a jeweler should understand what your needs are. Are you focused on getting a GIA diamond? Or do you want a diamond that offers plenty of beauty at a great price? Look for a jeweler who will listen to what’s important to you, and who will work with you to find a diamond that matches your priorities. 

You’re shopping for engagement rings. You’ve found a few diamonds that have caught your eye. You’re wondering what diamond certification is and how much it matters. Should you buy a diamond that’s GIA certified?

Well, that depends. In our post, we answer your burning questions about diamond certifications. We outline what you should know about certificates, including a few secrets we’re sharing here for the first time.

What is Diamond Certification?

Diamond certifications are issued by a gemological lab and describe a diamond’s specs such as its color, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond certification helps you verify what it is you’re buying.

There are many gemological labs that provide diamond certifications, including the GIA, EGL, DGC, HRD, IGI, and others.

Diamond Certification Chart

In the diamond certification chart below, we breakdown the major lab entities in the global diamond industry.

Diamond Certification Gemological Lab
AGS diamond certification American Gem Society
DGC diamond certification Diamond Gemological Certification
EGL diamond certification European Gemological Laboratories
GCAL diamond certification Gem Certification & Assurance Lab
GIA diamond certification Gemological Institute of America
GSI diamond certification Gemological Science International
HRD diamond certification Hoge Raad voor Diamant, translated as Diamond High Council
IGI diamond certification International Gemological Institute
SGL diamond certification Solitaire Gem Labs

Comparing Diamond Certifications

Each gem lab has its own standard for grading diamonds, and no single lab entity is the best. Some labs are stricter, while others are more lenient. In general, the GIA is the strictest of all the gemological grading labs.

Because each lab has its own methods and standards, it’s difficult to compare diamonds graded by different lab entities. Let’s say we have two diamonds to choose from. One is a 1 carat SI1 H graded by the GIA. The other is a 1 carat VS2 G diamond with an EGL international certificate. Looking at the certificates alone, it’s impossible to compare two diamonds because the lab grades have different meanings.

That’s why it’s best to compare diamonds graded by the same gemological lab, such as two diamonds certified by IGI. Look at GIA diamonds next to GIA diamonds, and EGL diamonds next to EGL diamonds when reviewing specs and prices.

It’s important to note that before 1931 when the GIA began issuing certifications, diamonds were priced and sold based on how they looked. There were no paper reports that stated the color or clarity of a diamond. Diamonds were solely selected based on how they looked, and that should still be the most important consideration when buying a diamond today.

What a Single Grade on a Certificate Means

On a diamond report, several qualities of the diamond are described. For instance, you’ll see a clarity grade. Clarity grades range from FL diamonds (flawless) to I3 diamonds (obvious inclusions). There are only 10 clarity grades total on the scale. That means all the millions of diamonds in the world fit into these 10 categories.

Within a single clarity grade, there are thousands of diamonds. Among SI1 diamonds alone, you’re bound to find significant differences between two diamonds—along with significant price differences. You might find a horrible looking SI2 GIA diamond, or a stunning SI2 GIA diamond. You might see an F color SI1 clarity diamond priced at $3,000, while another diamond with the same grades from the same lab is priced at $5,000.

Beyond grading, there are other qualities of a diamond that impact its beauty and price. Cut quality, including symmetry and proportions, plays a role in the diamond’s brilliance. That’s why the appearance of the diamond is more important than the specs. When shopping for a diamond, it’s critical to look at the diamond itself, instead of just its diamond report.

The Truth About GIA Certifications

Many diamond jewelry experts consider the GIA to be overly strict in their grading standards. Because the GIA grades are so strict, the quality of the diamond is often not appreciated unless you’re looking at the stone under 30x magnification. While you may think that strict grading would be a positive, the grading differences are so minute that they cannot be appreciated by you—the retailer customer. This means that you’re paying for aspects that you’ll never be able to see or notice.

While you want to ensure you get a premium diamond, choosing one with a GIA certificate that meets every criteria can be extremely expensive.

If you’re looking for a beautiful diamond that looks incredible to the naked eye and stays within a budget, we don’t recommend a GIA certified diamond. By choosing a diamond with a certification from a more lenient lab allows you to find an exquisite diamond at an outstanding price.

Should I Buy a GIA Certified Diamond?

You shouldn’t buy a GIA certified diamond, unless you care about the prestige of the lab name on your diamond report. You can find a beautiful diamond at a lower price point by choosing a different diamond certificate, such as one from the EGL or DGC. The difference will be the name on the certificate, which you’re unlikely to worry about over the coming decades when wearing your ring.

Let’s say you have a $3,000 engagement ring budget, and you’re looking for a certain color, clarity, and cut grade. You may not be able to afford a GIA diamond with those specs—it might cost $7,000. The other option is to buy a diamond with those specs but is graded by a different lab entity. You can still find a beautiful diamond within your budget that looks great and is certified.

Now let’s say there are two similar diamonds—one with a GIA certification and one with an EGL diamond certification.

The first diamond is a 1-carat H I2 diamond certified by the GIA that costs $6,000. The second diamond is a 1-carat EGL F SI1 diamond for the same price of $6,000. The EGL diamond might sound like the better deal, because you are getting a better grade for the same price. But because the GIA grades more strictly, it’s likely that the diamonds are in fact more similar in appearance and beauty than the specs first seem. In this case, if the certificate name is important to you, go with the GIA diamond. If the lab name doesn’t matter to you, and you prefer the look of the EGL diamond, go with that one.

3 Key Factors When Considering Diamond Certification

Diamond Certification

When shopping for diamonds and comparing their certifications, follow these top tips from our diamond jewelry experts.

1. Assess the Diamond’s Appearance

Looking at a diamond is the best way to determine how much you like it and how much beauty it has. Looking at a certificate and the diamond’s specs won’t tell you how the diamond actually appears.

When buying online, we recommend a vendor who offers free returns with a money-back guarantee. If the diamond doesn’t meet your standards when it arrives, you can send it back without issue. If you’re shopping in person, look at the diamonds up-close before buying.

In the end, you and your partner are the ones who will be admiring the diamond for years to come. It’s most important that you’re happy with how it appears. No certificate can tell you if you like the appearance of a diamond and how beautiful it is.

2. Decide if You Care About the Gem Lab Name

Some diamond buyers are concerned with the lab name on their diamond report. They want to see the GIA name on their paper. Others aren’t concerned by the lab name, and are comfortable with a diamond that’s certified by the IGI, DGC, or EGL.

Beyond the lab entity’s name, some buyers want a certain grading to be listed on their report. They want an F color diamond, for example. If an F color diamond is important to you, going with an IGI or EGL certificate allows you to achieve that F color grade at a lower price than you’d pay to get an F diamond from the GIA.

3. Compare Prices Within Gem Lab Certs

When buying a diamond, you want to be confident of the quality of the diamond for the price you’re paying. Because each gem lab grades differently and there are thousands of diamonds out there, it can seem difficult to understand what you’re getting for what you’re paying.

The best way to ensure you’re getting good value for your money is to purchase from a diamond vendor who is trustworthy and offers competitive prices. What’s the easiest way to assess this? Look at diamonds from different online vendors to gauge the price difference.

Compare diamonds with the same specs given by the same gem lab. For example, compare 1 carat VS2 F diamonds graded by the EGL at one online shop to other 1 carat VS2 F diamonds graded by the EGL at a different online vendor. By looking at similarly graded diamonds, you’ll get an idea of which vendor offers the best price based on the certificate and specs.

If I Buy a Diamond with a Certificate Other than GIA, Can I Resell It?

Yes, you can definitely resell a diamond that has a certificate from a lab other than the GIA. A diamond is a diamond and always maintains value.

Some shoppers have mentioned that jewelry stores and online vendors give the advice that they should only buy GIA diamonds, because that’s the only lab that can be trusted. They’re told that if they buy a diamond with a different certificate, they won’t be able to resell it.

Well, that’s just not accurate. If you buy a GIA diamond, you pay more for it up front, and the resale value is also higher. If you buy a DGC diamond, you pay less upfront, and the resale value will also be less. The value is relative, just as the resale value is.

Keep in mind that a diamond is a retail product. No matter what lab certification your diamond has, you won’t be able to sell it back for the same price you paid. Diamonds lose some value on their original purchase price, whether it has a GIA certification or not.

First and foremost, a jeweler should understand what your needs are. Are you focused on getting a GIA diamond? Or do you want a diamond that offers plenty of beauty at a great price? Look for a jeweler who will listen to what’s important to you, and who will work with you to find a diamond that matches your priorities.

Is it OK to buy a diamond without a certificate?

It is generally recommended to buy a diamond with a reliable grading certificate from a reputable gemological laboratory. A certificate provides important information about the diamond’s quality and ensures transparency in the transaction. Without a certificate, it can be challenging to accurately assess the diamond’s characteristics and value. Obtaining a certificate from a trusted source helps to ensure that you are making an informed decision and receiving a genuine and accurately graded diamond.

Final Thoughts on Diamond Certification

A diamond certification helps you understand what it is you’re buying. In the end, it’s most valuable to focus on how the diamond looks, not what the certificate says.

It’s also important to keep in mind what you desire in a diamond. If having the authority of a GIA diamond is important to you, it might be worth paying the premium price for a GIA certificate. If you care more about what the diamond looks like (which is what we recommend), you can get better value by choosing a diamond with a certificate from a different lab. You’ll end up with a stunning, certified diamond at a fraction of the price.

Click here to browse affordable and certified engagement ring designs.

Trending Rings in 2021

1 Carat Diamond Ring - Bellagio1 Carat Solitaire Engagement Ring - Parisian1 Carat Hidden Halo Ring

1 Carat New Mia Ring

Final Thoughts on Diamond Certification

A diamond certification helps you understand what it is you’re buying. In the end, it’s most valuable to focus on how the diamond looks, not what the certificate says. 

It’s also important to keep in mind what you desire in a diamond. If having the authority of a GIA diamond is important to you, it might be worth paying the premium price for a GIA certificate. If you care more about what the diamond looks like (which is what we recommend), you can get better value by choosing a diamond with a certificate from a different lab. You’ll end up with a stunning, certified diamond at a fraction of the price. 

Click here to browse affordable and certified engagement ring designs.

Trending Rings in 2021

1 Carat Diamond Ring - Bellagio1 Carat Solitaire Engagement Ring - Parisian1 Carat Hidden Halo Ring

1 Carat New Mia Ring