Grading the value of a diamond is a very complicated process, often involving specialized training and equipment. Even consumers who are educated about what makes one diamond more desirable than another cannot determine a stone’s exact grade and worth. Rather than leave the grading process in the hands of the retailer, a system of certification has been established, with major gemological laboratories providing pertinent details for each and every stone offered for sale.

Philip Press began his jewelry career at the age of 15 as an apprentice to a master European craftsman and platinumsmith. Now 37, Press is Chief Designer of Los Angeles’ Renaissance Platinum, a preferred retailer of discerning jewelry aficionados and celebrities. Here he explains the basics of diamond certification:

• Know a diamond’s pedigree:
  According to Press, all credible jewelers will provide certificates with the diamonds that they offer for sale. Basically, the certificate tells you the pedigree of the diamond. It lists the color, the clarity, the measurements, the weight, and all the information that you need to know about the quality of the stone.

• GIA graded:
  Make sure to look at the certificate to see who did the grading. There are two main gemological labs that have credibility in the trade. Number one is the GIA, the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA is the institution that invented this system of grading diamonds.

• EGL graded:
  The second accepted lab is the EGL, The European Gemological Laboratory. The EGL is a bit larger than the GIA and is a bit better known in Europe than it is here in the states.

• Included in the cost:
  Most jewelers will include the certificate at no extra cost. It is not wise to buy any diamond that does not come with an official certificate, as you have no other way of guaranteeing that the diamond is really worth its price.

For more information about diamonds, check out the following organizations or websites:

Renaissance Platinum
www.platinumrings.com/

American Museum of Natural History: The Nature of Diamonds
www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/

Diamonds.net
www.diamonds.net

Diamond Review.com
www.diamondreview.com

Diamond Cutters International: Diamond Education
www.diamondcuttersintl.com

Diamond Engagement Rings Guide
www.thediamondbuyingguide.com