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Tips & How-To's
Properly Graded Diamonds
How to make sure you buy accurately graded diamonds.

By Adylon Diamonds & Bridal Jewelry | August,2008

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When shopping for an engagement ring, most consumers don’t realize that diamond grading of loose diamonds is not scientific, and in fact it's very subjective. However not everything about diamond grading is subjective. For example, when the carat weight and dimensions are measured it is scientific because tools with known errors and accuracy are used like a scale or a micrometer. However the critical attributes of a diamond that make the biggest impact on price such as color, clarity are very subjective because they’re graded by the human eye. A gemologist will compare a diamond with other "master stones" and find which one it most closely resembles. The problem is sometimes a diamond that one gemologist thinks is VS2 clarity another may think is SI1. Even when graded at the same lab you can get different results for the same diamond. And it gets even more complicated when comparing labs to one another, because some are graded very loosely, and others are much more strict.

 

Unfortunately some jewelers know about all these variations in grading and often sell diamonds with inflated lab reports from these lower tier labs. Then when the consumer goes to get their diamond appraised they're often disappointed. Even worse, when confronted with an independent appraisal some of these jewelers will just say, "well that's what the lab report says," and take no responsibility.

 

So how can you be sure your diamond is accurately graded? Well first of all there are many levels of trust you should establish:

 

1. First and foremost trust your jeweler. If they’re only concerned about selling you 1 particular diamond and will not take the time to educate you and show you many diamonds of various qualities, you should be cautious. Ask your friends and family who they recommend.

 

2. Always insist on a GIA or AGS graded diamond, these are the two most trusted lab reports. Most jewelers will not trust a lab report without these lab reports, so why should you? But no lab is 100% correct all the time, which brings us to our third level of trust.

 

3. Trust your eyes. If you're considering SI1 clarity and H color for example, ask to see several diamonds in that color and clarity and compare them side by side in the same lighting conditions. Not all SI1 clarity or H color are the same because diamonds are made by nature and even one is unique,  and some diamonds will fall between grades such as SI1-SI2 or H-I color. You want to be sure you get the very best SI1 or H, not the worst, so ask to see several of the same grade before making a purchase.

 

4. Trust your appraiser. If you're buying a large, rare diamond then get it independently appraised. Not by the jeweler's recommended appraiser or cousin who happens to be a gemologist, but from someone you found and were recommended to see who will work on your behalf and give you their honest opinion. In addition to confirming the diamond grade, an appraisal is very important for insurance purposes.

 

The more levels of trust you are able to establish, the better. Never blindly put all your faith in any of the ones listed above. Always shop with a jeweler that is patient, will show you many diamonds, educate you on the differences and is fully transparent in their pricing, and always make sure they stand behind their diamond grading in writing.

 

Adylon Diamonds & Bridal Jewelry - Burbank's Finest Jeweler. A better diamond shopping experience featuring over 40,000 loose diamonds online. Giving our clients the best value and local service for fine diamond jewelry.

http://www.adylon.com