Understanding diamond certification

There is a lot of attention being given these days to the certification associated with diamonds. Certification is basically a statement identifying the specs of the diamond with regard to cut, carat, clarity and color. The certification of the diamond helps you to determine if you are getting a good value. but shouldn’t purchase a diamond based on certification alone.  

There four primary third-party certification agencies: American Gemological Society (AGS), Gemological Institute of America (GIA), European Gemological Laboratories (EGL) and International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Diamond grading is a subjective. Two different gemological laboratories may arrive at differing opinions when assigning a diamond grade. The reports vary slightly in terms of information provided. As such, no one report is considered the best type of certification. Additionally, the same agency could grade a stone differently depending on who performs the analysis.

Certification takes a couple of months and costs a few hundred dollars. The cost of certification is typically included in the cost of the stone. Appraisals are not the same as certifications and often not as accurate as a certified diamond quality report performed by an independent gemological laboratory. Such a report is based on a mechanical and technical examination of the diamond using verified test and electronic equipment.

Since no two diamonds are exactly the same, you can’t really compare diamonds exactly. Also, given the cost of certification, stones below .25 carats are not typically certified.

Lab-created diamonds are certified under the same process as mined diamonds. However, given the rarity of lab-diamonds, it has been argued that a good quality lab-diamond is actually more valuable. The certification does not include environmental and social impact, which concerned consumers feel is just as important as the specs of the stone.

Ultimately, consumers need to purchase diamonds that they feel good about with regard to price, quality and impact. C5 carries diamonds that are lab-created, ethically sourced or at minimum conflict-free that we believe are of excellent quality.