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GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

GIA 4Cs Diamond Blog

What is a GIA Diamond?
GIA diamond is a term you’ll find when engagement ring shopping – short for a diamond graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs and the independent, diamond authority. Learn more about GIA diamonds and why savvy shoppers rely on
Mandela Day Library
GIA Partnership Brings Mandela Day Libraries to South African Schools

Adding to its educational efforts in Africa, GIA recently entered into a collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory to provide Mandela Day Libraries to four South African elementary schools. (more…)

microscope
How GIA Educates

In addition to setting standards for determining gem quality and conducting front-line research, GIA protects the gem-buying public by educating gem and jewelry professionals. In fact, GIA was founded more than 80 years ago as an educational institution to help jewelers accurately and ethically communicate gem information to the public. (more…)

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Can You Help Me Find a Jeweler?

One frequent request GIA receives is, “Can you recommend a reputable jeweler?” The jewelry-buying landscape offers so many options: buying online, through retail chains, neighborhood jewelry stores, and even independent sellers. Establishing a relationship with a jeweler can seem daunting and confusing. GIA is here to help. While it can’t recommend specific jewelers or businesses, it does offer tools and tips to help you navigate your way through choices. (more…)

4Cs Q&A with GIA: Diamond Cut Grading

Next up in GIA’s 4Cs Q&A series is diamond cut grading. (more…)

4Cs Q&A with GIA: Diamond Clarity Grading

Understand all the aspects of the Diamond Clarity Scale and check out this diamond clarity grading chart in the second of GIA’s 4Cs Q&A series. (more…)

4Cs Q&A with GIA: Diamond Color Grading

Do you know how diamond color is evaluated? GIA kicks off its 4Cs Q&A series with color grading. (more…)

Edwardian Era Jewelry

With the current popularity of period pieces—fueled in part by films and shows like The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey–there is a rising interest in vintage fashion and jewelry. The Edwardian period lasted from 1900 to 1915, when England was flush with power and wealth. For the landed gentry (land owners who could live entirely off of rental income), the Edwardian Era was a period of prosperity and privilege; however, class divisions were equally stark. (more…)

Jeff Mason
A (Pawn) Star in the Making: Gemologist Jeff Mason

GIA graduate and Las Vegas Chapter GIA Alumni Association President Jeff Mason is the in-house gemologist at the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawnshop, the shop made famous by the hit reality show Pawn Stars. (more…)

jennifer aniston
Vintage Diamond Cuts

As seen during the 2013 Oscars, vintage jewelry and diamonds continue to live in the spotlight, as evidenced by this 19th century oval and cushion cut diamond bracelet worn by Jennifer Aniston. But do you know the storied history behind your favorite vintage diamond cuts? (more…)

"Maze" leaf earrings, set in sterling silver and Mother of Pearl.
GIA Museum features designer Kara Ross in “Aluminati: Students to Stars”

An exciting new exhibit series is making its way through GIA Headquarters in Carlsbad, California. “Aluminati: Students to Stars” highlights the talents of GIA alumni who have made waves in the gem and jewelry industry. The first exhibit in the series, featuring designer Kara Ross, debuted earlier this month and will run through November. (more…)

Interactive Diamond Tool Now Available for Android

Owners of Android phones and tablets like the Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy can now benefit from GIA’s (Gemological Institute of America) free interactive diamond app for consumers and retailers, available in both English and Simplified Chinese. The app engages consumers with interactive features, video content and information on the GIA-created 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight) of diamond quality. (more…)