What is a "certified diamond"?

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A "certified diamond" is a diamond which has been evaluated for it's unique properties and endorsed with a guarantee of stated quality from an independent gemological laboratory. A diamon certificate does NOT establish a diamond's value, it simply helps in preventing fraud by allowing a consumer to have confidence in a purchase. Any diamond can be "certified", regardless of size, quality, or value.

There are many diamond cetification companies, each with a slightly different rating system. Belwo is a list of the most popular certification laboratories in order of consistency and reliability: excellent, good, and fair.

Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Excellent

American Gem Society Laboratory (AGSL) Excellent

European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) Good

International Gemological Institute (IGI) Fair

NOTE: Compairing certifications from two different companies is like comparing apples to oranges. A certificate's purpose is to protect you from fraud.