Whether you’re buying or selling diamonds, you’ll want to learn about the diamond certification process. If you’re just learning about diamond certificates for the first time, we understand that it can be overwhelming. There are dozens of different acronyms referring to unique gemological institutes, some of which are more trusted than others. In this guide, we’re going to take a closer look at the diamond certification process, as well as the most dependable certification companies and organizations on the market. 

Why Diamond Certification Matters

There are many reasons to ask about diamond certification as a prospective buyer or seller. If you’re buying a diamond, you’ll want to know that you’re getting the real deal, and if you’re selling, you want to know that you’re getting a reasonable amount in return. Here are a few additional benefits of diamond certification:

• Authenticity - A certificate from a trusted gemological institute or diamond certification company is one of the most reliable ways to determine if a diamond is real. This is especially important if you’re buying or selling online, as you don’t want to fall prey to a diamond scam or be accused of false advertising. 

• Quality - A diamond certificate also acts as a grading report to help consumers understand the quality of a specific gemstone. It will outline the 4 C’s of diamonds (Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat), as well as precise measurements so that you know exactly what you’re buying or selling. 

• Market Value - While a diamond certificate does not always place a monetary value on a diamond, it will give you enough information to understand its value on the open market. As a seller, comparing diamond certificates can make it simpler to know if you’re overcharging or undercharging. Comparison shopping with diamond certificates also makes it easier for buyers to know if they’re getting a good deal or not.

However, it’s important to remember that not all diamond certificates are treated the same. Depending on the institute or grading laboratory, some buyers and sellers may not place much trust in the certificate itself. For this reason, it is always best to rely on trusted gemological organizations with a history of quality service and reporting. In the sections below, we’ll examine some of the most trusted and well-known diamond certification organizations in the world:

GIA

Founded in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a nonprofit institute focused on the research, education, and testing of gemstones. Since its earliest days, the GIA has worked to maintain high standards in the field of gemological certification, particularly as it pertains to diamonds. Though the GIA is based in the United States, it is world-renowned for its diamond certification services and dedication to quality. 

It’s also important to note that the GIA does not sell gemstones or jewelry, allowing the institute to offer completely unbiased and dependable diamond certifications. For jewelers and consumers alike, the GIA Diamond Grading Report and Colored Stone Grading Report are among the most revered certifications in the industry. And if you want to verify a report, GIA makes it possible for diamond certification cards dating back to January 1st, 2000.

IGI

Though the International Gemological Institute (IGI) is not as old as the GIA, it is one of the most trusted diamond testing companies based in Europe. Founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, the IGI has grown to become an enormous international network of laboratories, with offices in more than a dozen cities around the world. That said, if someone wants the best possible certification, an IGI certificate may not be held in the same regard as a GIA certificate. This is largely because the IGI is not as stringent in its grading standards. 

However, the type of diamond can also impact the quality of the report. For example, IGI certificates are generally regarded as superior for lab-grown diamonds, as they use more specific scales for color and clarity than the GIA. Alternatively, the GIA uses stricter standards for natural diamonds. In any case, the IGI is still among the most trusted and dependable gemological institutes in the industry. 

EGL

Established in 1974, the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) has been providing high-quality diamond grading services for half a century. Unlike more centralized organizations like the GIA, the EGL is actually a network of independent laboratories that all adhere to similar certification standards. Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, the EGL has branches throughout Europe, Africa, and North America. 

Like IGI certificates, EGL certificates may be seen as more “lenient” than certificates from some other institutes. That said, the EGL is unique for offering more expansive reporting characteristics, which extend to diamonds under one carat and diamonds with a higher number of inclusions. 

AGS

The American Gem Society (AGS) functions a bit differently than most of the other organizations in this guide. As a non-profit association, the AGS is comprised of various professionals who want to promote high ethical standards in the gemstone industry. The AGS dates all the way back to 1934 and was founded by a relatively small community of jewelers.

Members of the AGS are required to maintain standards set by the association and to continue their gemological education. The AGS also operates a respected laboratory for grading diamonds, and is perhaps best known for developing the comprehensive diamond cut system that has been adopted by most other gemological institutes today. As a result, AGS is among the most reputable and trusted diamond certification organizations worldwide. 

GSL

The Gem Studies Laboratory (GSL) has more than four decades of experience and is a highly-rated diamond grading and testing lab. Since its founding, the GSL has grown to become the most well-known and respected independent diamond certification company in Australia. The company continues to adapt its methods to provide accurate certifications to businesses and consumers alike. 

However, the GSL’s influence is not as strong outside of Australia. Though its standards are high, the GSL does not have a large international presence like the GIA or other testing organizations. Nonetheless, GSL certificates are still trusted by jewelers throughout Australia, as well as North America and Europe.

HRD

The Hoge Raad voor Diamant, or HRD Antwerp, is another highly-regarded diamond grading company headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium. Founded in 1985, HRD is among the more recent additions to the international market of diamond certification providers. In addition to grading diamonds, HRD offers educational programs in the field of gemology. And like GIA certifications, HRD reports are universally accepted as dependable and accurate.

While HRD does not sell diamonds, gemstones, or jewelry, it does manufacture and sell gemological equipment used in testing. Making its own equipment available for purchase also helps legitimize HRD’s practices by making its in-house testing processes more transparent. 

AGI

Based in New York City, the Accredited Gemological Institute is a relatively small, independent laboratory that offers gemstone testing services to the general public. It uses many of the same standards and testing procedures established by the GIA, though the AGI is best known for its diamond appraisals. 

However, like the GSL in Australia, the AGI does not have a substantial international presence. Consequently, if you’re looking to buy or sell diamonds outside of the United States, an AGI certificate may not hold as much weight. Nonetheless, AGI sets high standards for diamond certification and makes its services affordable for most consumers. 

Tiffany Diamond Certificates

Tiffany & Co. is among the most famous jewelry companies in the world, and it's particularly well-known for its diamond jewelry. Whenever Tiffany sells a diamond piece, it comes with an official Tiffany Diamond Certificate. This certificate guarantees the diamond’s authenticity and helps verify its unique characteristics.

As a highly prestigious luxury jewelry brand, Tiffany & Co. is known for its attention to detail and quality. Not only is Tiffany's diamond jewelry quite valuable, but the processes used to test Tiffany's diamond authenticity are also well-regarded. Consequently, the Tiffany Diamond Certificate is recognized worldwide. However, since Tiffany also sells diamonds, it has a vested interest in the quality of each diamond. Therefore, a Tiffany Diamond Certificate may not be as widely trusted as a report from an unaffiliated gemological institute. 

Can You Sell A Diamond Without A Certificate?

Yes, you can sell a diamond without a certificate. However, selling a diamond without a certificate can be much more difficult, or even impossible. For example, if you try to sell a diamond ring on your own to an independent buyer, they will likely not be willing to pay your full asking price (or any price) without some kind of legitimate certification. 

Fortunately, if you choose to sell a diamond through HaveYouSeenTheRing.com, you’re covered. We offer GIA verification as a mandatory part of the selling process. This helps protect buyers from diamond scams, while also ensuring that you can ask for the full resale value of the diamond. 

We hope you enjoyed our diamond certification guide! Are you currently trying to buy or sell a used engagement ring? If so, be sure to contact HYSTR today!