Guides
What is a GIA Diamond?
Jan
The Hatton Garden Diamond Group is a proud supplier of GIA diamonds. It is likely that you have already come across the term ‘GIA certified diamond’ when engagement ring shopping at Hatton Garden jewellers but what does it mean if a diamond is GIA certified? We explain the terminology behind it, as it is important to understand before making a purchase at any jewellers for a diamond.
What is a GIA diamond?
This type of diamond that has been graded by GIA, who is the independent diamond authority establishing diamond quality standards. GIA examines the diamond and assess its quality based on the 4Cs and describes it. This assessment is carried out using sophisticated scientific procedures by GIA laboratories located worldwide.
It is also worth knowing that the GIA is the organisation behind the 4Cs of diamond quality: colour, clarity, cut and carat.
Understanding the quality of the diamond you are buying is important as this will determine the price. As a result, you want to be assured that it has been accurately graded.
Are all diamonds GIA certified?
No, they are not. To verify if a diamond is GIA graded, ask your jeweller for its GIA grading report. Our dedicated jewellers will be happy to provide this to you should you consider making a diamond purchase at one of our stores in Hatton Garden.
If you are wondering what is contained in the GIA report, you will see the diamonds:
- 4Cs assessment
- A unique number to access the online database
- View all grading details including its fluorescence an any treatments
Is it important for a diamond to be GIA graded?
Yes, because for many people a diamond engagement ring is one of the most expensive purchases they will ever make. Knowing that a diamond has been GIA graded means you can be confident that the diamond you are getting is of good value for its quality.
In addition, you will find that many insurance companies these days ask for a GIA grading report before being willing to insure your ring. That means in terms of practicality, having a GIA graded diamond is worthwhile too.
Is there any bias in GIA grading?
No, a GIA diamond grading report is a completely unbiased assessment of its quality. That means you are able to compare GIA-graded diamonds freely and decide which is best for you based on quality and value for money.
How do you get a diamond GIA graded?
It is possible for anyone to submit a diamond to GIA for grading, but this is usually carried out by your jeweller due to the complexities of packaging and insuring diamonds for inspection.
Remember that GIA Diamond Grading Reports are only provided for unmounted stones, so the jeweller will need to remove the diamond from its setting before it is sent off for analysis.
Are GIA diamonds more expensive?
They are not necessarily more expensive and valuable but are worth paying extra for given that their quality has been authentically tested. This is likely to be a high-value purchase, so make sure that you can be assured of its quality.
Can GIA identify where the diamond was mined?
Yes, GIA can identify where the country of origin is. This is because GIA asks for the diamond to be received and then examined in rough form. This diamond is then sealed in a tamper-proof package from the mine.
GIA then performs an analysis of the diamond by looking at the rough and polished data to confirm its origin.
However, keep in mind that the GIA Diamond Grading Report is different from the GIA Diamond Origin Report. The latter report provides the mine or geographical origin of the diamond.
Why is it important to know a diamond’s origin?
Knowing that a diamond has been mined responsibly is vital when it comes to sustainability and helping the origin country’s local communities. This is important to us, and Hatton Garden Diamond group ensures its diamonds are ethically sourced.
