How Diamonds Are Graded By GIADiamonds are submitted for GIA certification by the diamond's current owner (usually the diamond cutter or dealer, but often a retailer or sometimes even the end consumer).A diamond is submitted by the owner (left) and checked in by GIA client services (right)...
GIA graded diamonds are carefully evaluated by at least four expert gemologists who are chosen at random to guarantee unbiased evaluations of each stone. The GIA scale denotes color grades by letter, starting with D (the highest grade) and moving all the way to Z (the lowest color grade). ...
Find out how symmetry affects the appearance and price of a diamond. Understand how diamond symmetry is graded by GIA, and when symmetry is most important in the selection of a diamond.
While lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds look exactly the same to the naked eye, there are certainly differences at the microscopic and molecular levels. These differences are hard to catch and usually require expensive equipment even for the most experienced gemologist. Inclusions Since lab grow...
Not all valuable diamonds are colorless or white. In fact, a variety of minerals, from nitrogen to boron, can affect a colored diamond's hue – as well as its value.
Since light source and background can have a significant impact on the appearance of color, the diamond’s color is graded in a standardized viewing environment. Color graders submit their independent opinions into the system. During this phase, graders are not privy to color opinions entered prev...
If you know much about diamonds, you know that diamonds are graded according to what is commonly known as the "Four Cs." The Four Cs consist of: Cut, which affects a diamond's brilliance, as brilliance relies on light optics and the ideal angles to produce the maximum effect. A deeply...
According to Diamonds, diamonds are graded from D-Z, with the highest grade grading D-F. These are the most expensive diamonds. You will not notice a big difference from G-J with your naked eyes. The same concept applies to diamond clarity. Take all the necessary precautions to prevent sp...
Understanding the system of appraisal for grading a diamond’s quality is, frankly, a bit complicated. If you want a deep dive into all of the standards diamonds are graded on, you can read ourDiamond Expert Guidancepage. To get the details we find make the biggest impact on diamond cost...
The clarity of heart-shaped diamonds is graded in the same way as that of other diamond cuts – according to how many visible flaws (inclusions) there are in the stone. On the scale used by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the top grade is FL (Flawless) and the bottom grade...