“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 GIA.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into what makes “GIA diamonds” stand out, answer what makes a diamond a “GIA diamond”, and explain why choosing a GIA-graded diamond offers peace of mind when making this important purchase.
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- What is a GIA Diamond?
- Is Every Diamond a GIA Diamond?
- What Does it Mean for a Diamond to be a “GIA Certified Diamond”?
- How Does GIA Ensure Objectivity When Grading Diamonds?
- Do I Really Need to Get a Diamond Graded?
- How Do You Get a Diamond “GIA Certified”?
- Do “GIA Certified” Diamonds Cost More?
- Are “GIA Certified” Diamonds Better Than Other Diamonds?
- Where can I find a GIA Diamond?
What is a GIA Diamond?
As mentioned above, “GIA diamond” is really a shorthand diamond sellers use to describe diamonds that have been graded by GIA. GIA is an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts gem research, educates jewelry professionals, and sets the standards for determining gemstone quality.
You may have already heard or learned about the 4Cs of diamond quality: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. GIA created this standard, along with the scientific procedures for evaluating each “C” and the grading terminology used to describe them.
GIA does not mine diamonds, nor does it buy, sell or trade them commercially. It doesn’t appraise diamonds and is not otherwise involved in diamond pricing or valuation. GIA operates independently of these commercial interests, ensuring that its diamond quality assessments are completely objective and unbiased.
If you want to know the quality of the diamond you’re considering – and you should, because quality and price go hand in hand – then you should look for GIA-graded diamonds and the GIA Diamond Grading Reports that will accompany them.
Is Every Diamond a GIA Diamond?
No, not all diamonds have been graded by GIA, although it may seem that way given the sheer quantity of GIA-graded diamonds in the marketplace. This volume is a testament to the trust jewelers and their customers place in GIA’s accurate and objective grading services.
To be sure your diamond was graded by GIA, ask to see its GIA grading report. In addition to a full assessment of a diamond’s 4Cs, each GIA report contains a unique number, which is also sometimes laser inscribed on the diamond’s girdle (the outer edge of the stone).
You can use the report number to access GIA’s online global report database, GIA Report Check, to verify that the diamond is GIA graded and view all its grading details.
What Does it Mean for a Diamond to be a “GIA Certified Diamond”?
“GIA certified diamond” is a misnomer. GIA doesn’t certify diamonds – it grades them. The terms “GIA certified” and “GIA cert” are commonly used in the jewelry industry to refer to diamonds that have undergone GIA’s rigorous grading process and to the reports that accompany them.
This process applies not only to natural diamonds but also to lab-grown diamonds, which GIA grades with the same thoroughness. The report will clearly indicate if a diamond is lab-grown, ensuring transparency for the buyer.
GIA itself does not use the word “certificate” to describe the document it issues. GIA examines diamonds, assesses their quality based on the 4Cs, and describes them.
GIA does not certify diamonds or their value. Rather, like other scientific laboratories, GIA issues reports based on the results of its evaluation and believes “report” is the appropriate term to describe its grading results.
How Does GIA Ensure Objectivity When Grading Diamonds?
GIA has robust procedures in place to ensure each diamond’s anonymity and the objectivity of the grading process.
Upon its arrival at the laboratory, the diamond is placed in a transparent storage case and all references to its owner are removed or concealed. It is assigned a bar-coded label that is used to track it throughout the process. These precautions ensure that GIA grading reports objectively represent each diamond’s characteristics.
Each diamond’s color, clarity, cut, and carat weight is assessed by at least two GIA diamond graders. More experienced staff gemologists may review any or all of the grading information. A grade is not issued until sufficient consensus is reached.
GIA grades some of the finest diamonds in the world. This ring features a 51.6-carat oval diamond graded G color, VS2 clarity by GIA.
GIA grades some of the finest diamonds in the world. This ring features a 51.6-carat oval diamond graded G color, VS2 clarity by GIA.
Do I Really Need to Get a Diamond Graded?
A diamond engagement ring may be one of the most meaningful purchases you make. It may also be one of the most expensive. Because of this, you’ll want to be sure that you’re getting good value on the diamond you’re purchasing.
A GIA Diamond Grading Report gives you all the important information you need to know about a diamond’s 4Cs, as well as its fluorescence, potential treatments and more.
With a GIA Diamond Grading Report, you can be sure that your diamond is a natural diamond. That’s because GIA has examined and tested the diamond using the most sophisticated instruments and procedures available, informed by the Institute’s ongoing scientific research.
Since a GIA Diamond Grading Report is an unbiased assessment of a gem’s quality characteristics, it lets you compare one GIA-graded diamond to another. This empowers you to compare the quality of loose diamonds, and decide which one is the best value and right for you.
Diamonds without reports (sometimes referred to as “non-certified diamonds”), in comparison, lack this verification, making it harder to assess their true quality. While they may be cheaper upfront, diamonds without reports carry more risk in terms of value and trust, as you must rely solely on the jeweler’s word.
Making sure the diamond you’re eyeing comes with a GIA Diamond Grading Report is like getting an independent inspection before you buy a car or house. It’s a smart step in your purchase process – and many insurance companies will require a GIA Diamond Grading Report as a basis for insuring your diamond.
How Do You Get a Diamond “GIA Certified”?
GIA doesn’t certify diamonds, it grades them, and anyone can submit a diamond to GIA for grading.
You can drop off a stone at any of GIA’s global laboratories, located in gem and jewelry capitals around the world, or you can ship it to GIA. However, given the complexities of packaging, shipping and insuring diamonds, and because GIA only grades unmounted gems, you may find it more convenient to have your local jeweler submit the stone on your behalf.
Many diamonds in stores and online will already have a GIA Diamond Grading Report, which you can ask to see prior to purchasing. Your diamond’s report should also be given to you once you complete your purchase.
Do “GIA Certified” Diamonds Cost More?
Again, “GIA certified” is really a misnomer for GIA graded diamonds. There’s a false notion that ”GIA diamonds” cost more, often based on comparing diamonds by price tag alone.
The price of a diamond, a car or any other item of value is tied to quality. If you can’t be sure of the quality you’re getting, how do you know if you’re paying too much or getting a good deal? That’s why it’s important to compare prices for diamonds that have the same 4Cs quality characteristics and whose qualities have been accurately and objectively graded by the same independent laboratory like GIA.
Having a diamond graded by GIA is relatively inexpensive. GIA charges as little as $48 for a grading report for a diamond weighing 0.70 ct to 0.99 ct, and as little as $80 for a diamond weighing 1.00 ct to 1.49 cts.
Most jewelers factor grading fees into the price of the diamond. Considering that couples spent an average of $5,500 on an engagement ring in 2023, the cost of a GIA Diamond Grading Report is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Are “GIA Certified” Diamonds Better Than Other Diamonds?
Diamonds with GIA reports don’t inherently have better quality; rather, they offer assurance of the diamond’s quality by providing an accurate and unbiased evaluation of the diamond’s 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
The assurance that GIA reports offer is what makes diamonds with GIA reports more desirable. Buying a diamond with a GIA report ensures you know exactly what you’re purchasing, eliminating any guesswork. GIA is renowned for its strict, independent grading standards, giving you confidence that the diamond has been fairly assessed.
Whether your diamond is natural or lab-grown, a GIA report ensures that the diamond’s quality has been objectively evaluated, helping you make informed decisions and determine a fair price.
Watch a diamond go through GIA’s grading process:
Where can I find a GIA Diamond?
Most quality jewelers offer diamonds with GIA grading reports. The GIA Retailer Lookup can help you find retailers in your area who carry GIA-graded diamonds or have GIA-trained staff. Popular e-commerce websites also sell GIA-graded diamonds.
Ready to shop for an engagement ring? Explore these resources to make a smart and beautiful purchase:
