If you are planning to purchase a diamond engagement ring, in that case, you need to be very careful and selective about it. Diamond is an expensive gem, therefore, before purchasing one, you need to be absolutely sure that you are investing you money at the right kind of gem. Usually, when it comes to diamond engagement rings, they come with laboratory certificate and are quite expensive. This goes to show how valuable the stone is. Presently, the mostly accepted certificate in the domain of jewelry is one which is being issues by GIA. GIA is known for its superior quality analysis methods and rigidity.

In the following section of this article, you will be offered a brief insight into some of the major aspects of GIA certification, which would give you some idea, as to why it is so important.

What is GIA?

GIA is the abbreviated form of Gemological Institute of America; which is an institution which deals in the study and research of gems. GIA, without any doubt, is the most trusted and reputed authority, as far as gem certification is concerned. Here, they analyze the quality of a diamond, based on a mechanism which they have developed and designed. According to the system which they have introduced, and has been accepted throughout the world; diamond can be classified according to four major characteristics. They are:

• Color – Whether the stone is colorless or emits colored rays
• Carat – It is the unit which is used to measure the weight of a diamond
• Clarity – Clarity of a diamond refers to its purity
• Cut – It is the shape of a diamond.

After analyzing these four major characteristics, GIA issues a certificate. In the certificate all the details pertaining to the quality of the diamond from various aspects are mentioned. The GIA Certificate contains the following points

 

• GIA Number (Report Number): These are sequences of unique numbers, which are recorded and maintained in the database of GIA. The digital certification of a diamond can be accessed by using this number.
• Date: The date, when GIA examined the diamond.
• The Style of Cutting and Shape: This section is about the faceting and shape of the diamond. As far as shape of a diamond is concerned, it about the design of the diamond, as to whether it us oval, round, hexagonal, triangular, heart, briolette, French cut or others.
• Weight of the Carat: When it comes to measuring the weight of a diamond, Carat is the unit which is used. It needs to be mentioned in this regard that 200 milligrams makes 1 carat. Besides, weight of a diamond is also measured in terms of weight, where 1 carat signifies 100 points.
• Measurements: The measurement of a diamond is done after taking 3 different dimensions into consideration; which are width x depth x length
• Grade of Color: Here the diamond’s color gradation is being analyzed. A special method is used in assessing the color of a diamond, which is known as DZ. This method has been designed and developed by GIA. Here “D” stands for colorless diamond, which happens to be the best one, and “Z” stands for the worst type. Those diamonds which have a pronounced yellowish tone, falls under the “Z” category. In terms of color, those diamonds which are colorless are considered to be the best, and are categorized under the “D” category. However, most of the diamonds which are available in the market come with a mild yellowish tone, which cannot be detected by untrained eyes. As the diamond gets older, the yellowish tone becomes more prominent and the diamond loses its value.
• Gradation of Cutting: When it comes to the cut of a diamond, it signifies the quality of the cut. Different factors are taken into consideration while analyzing the cut quality of a diamond. Some of them are; symmetry, proportions and polishing. According to some experts, it is the cut of the diamond which marks its major characteristics. The shine of the diamond and the light burst; for which diamonds are known for, primarily depends on the quality of cut. A diamond which has a fine cut, yet not up to the mark in terms of color, would be brighter as compared to the one which has a good color, but a bad cut. The two extremes of classification as far as cut is concerned are excellent and inferior.
• Symmetry: In this process, evaluation is done between the shape, cut and alignment of the diamond’s facets. It has been classified between the range of being excellent to poor.
• Polish: Here the quality of polishing of the diamond’s surface is being evaluated. The two extremes of classification are excellent and good.
• Clarity: Here the imperfections and the inclusions of a diamond is taken into consideration. There can be different types of them like; natural cutouts, cavities, holes created by laser, knots, crystals from other minerals, extra facets and others.
• Fluorescence: Here the color intensity of the diamond under long wave ultraviolet light is measured. It can range from weak (none) to strong and very strong. Only 30{15480c2c7b281797dd0c29e68425ccdc00d302f468e5e58e6ee3687b6c8a74c2} of all the diamonds found in the world exhibit any fluorescent qualities in them.
• Proportions: Here a graphical analysis of the diamond’s proportion is done.
• Inscriptions: Any type of symbol, text or logos which are inscribed on the belt of a diamond is being reported

Conclusion

With the help of these methods of analysis, GIA can distinguish between the quality of diamonds and certify them accordingly. If you are planning to buy one, in that case, make sure that you asked for the certification and went through the details carefully.

Are you planning to buy an engagement wedding ring? In that case, Alexander Sparks has everything to offer. They are a online store, with a huge collection of different types of diamond rings, that would fit into your budget and match your taste and preferences.