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All About GIA Certified Diamonds – What You Need to Know 

For centuries, diamonds have been symbols of beauty and elegance, which makes them ideal for jewelry. However, have you explored diamonds graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)?

In this article, we delve into GIA, what GIA-certified diamonds entail, the reliability of a GIA certificate, the process of sending diamonds to GIA, and how to get diamonds graded by GIA. We’ll also address whether buying a GIA-certified diamond is worth it.

Keep reading to learn more about the world of GIA diamonds and why it matters for your jewelry.

What is GIA?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a nonprofit organization that conducts gem research and establishes diamond quality standards. One of its leading roles is grading diamonds based on the 4Cs: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight. GIA created this standard and the scientific procedures which are used worldwide. 

Significantly, GIA operates independently of commercial interests, making diamond quality assessments objective and unbiased. It also means that GIA isn’t involved in mining, buying, selling, trading, or appraising diamonds. 

What are GIA-certified Diamonds?

A GIA-certified diamond is a slightly misleading label term used by sellers, but it simply refers to a diamond graded by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). 

Remember that GIA doesn’t certify the diamond’s value; it issues an unbiased GIA grading report. It examines the diamond, evaluates its qualities based on the 4Cs, and describes it objectively. 

Can You Trust a “GIA Certificate”?

Yes, you can trust a GIA grading report. It’s an objective and unbiased evaluation of a diamond’s characteristics, like the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Senior gemologists may also check the grading details and provide their own opinions. A grade is given only when there’s enough agreement among the diamond experts.

You can also trust diamond grading reports from other sources if they follow GIA’s strict standards. For example, you can consider diamond grading services from an expert jewelry appraiser

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Can I Send My Diamond to GIA?

Yes, you can send your diamond to GIA through your local jeweler. GIA charges a minimum of $48 for grading a diamond between 0.70 and 0.99 carats and a minimum of $80 for a diamond between 1.00 and 1.49 carats. 

Remember that you must go through a rigorous process to have your diamond graded by GIA. 

Certification Process – How to Get Diamonds Graded by GIA 

To get your diamonds graded, you can follow these steps: 

Bring Your Diamond to a Jewelry Retailer

Firstly, you should contact a trusted jewelry retailer near you who will submit the diamond to GIA on your behalf for an additional fee. Note that GIA only grades unmounted diamonds that haven’t been placed in jewelry.  You can also send your diamonds directly to GIA if you do not want to enlist the help of your jeweler. 

Wait for the Assessment

When the diamond arrives at the lab, it goes into a see-through case with no owner details and receives a bar-coded label for tracking purposes. GIA uses these fair and objective methods as you wait for your diamond to be graded. 

Understand the Grading Report

Once the assessment is complete, GIA will issue a detailed grading report containing vital information about your diamond’s characteristics. You should scan this document and work with a jewelry retailer or appraiser to understand its contents. 

Verify Your Diamond with the GIA Report Check Service

Your diamond should have a unique report number, which you can use to verify the report. Input that number in the GIA Report Check, and then you can access your diamond’s complete grading data in the database. 

Is it Worth Buying a GIA-Certified Diamond?

It depends on your preference. Generally, choosing a diamond graded by GIA is a good idea, as the organization is globally recognized for its rigorous grading standards and fair evaluations. Investing in a GIA-certified diamond is a worthwhile choice for those seeking authenticity, quality, and lasting value in their precious gemstones. Additionally, we advocate buying diamonds with laboratory certification due to the proliferation of lab-grown diamonds.

Understand the Value of Your Diamond with Willyn Villarica Jewelry

The term “GIA-certified diamond” is a commonly used but slightly misleading label; it simply means that a diamond has undergone GIA’s rigorous grading process and obtained a GIA grading report. This detailed report can help you understand the actual value of your diamond. 

If you’re looking for an alternative and more straightforward process to learn about your diamond’s characteristics and value, look no further than Willyn Villarica Jewelry. We offer diamond grading services done by our in-house expert, Ms. Willyn Villarica. She is a jewelry appraiser and licensed Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America. Ms. Villarica is also the only National Association of Jewelry Appraisers member from the Philippines. 

Our diamond grading services strictly follow GIA standards, ensuring accurate assessments of your diamonds. So, with our expertise, you can trust that your precious gems are in good hands. It’s important to note that while we offer our services worldwide, clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses. 

Catering to clients around the globe, our expertise and commitment to excellence ensure that you receive personalized guidance and expert advice tailored to your specific needs and preferences. It’s important to note that while we offer our services worldwide, clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have your diamonds professionally graded by Ms. Willyn Villarica.

Book a diamond grading appointment today by emailing us at admin@willynvillaricajewelry.com. You can also send inquiries through our Facebook page (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry). 

  • Willyn Villarica

    Willyn Villarica, a third-generation jeweler from the Philippines, brings a wealth of expertise to the world of gemology and jewelry appraisal. As a licensed Graduate Gemologist, accredited by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, she is not only a master of her craft but also holds the distinction of being the first Filipino member of the National Associ...

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