The nice thing about those numbers etched in stone, is that anytime in your lifetime, if you ever lose your G.I.A. Diamond Report, you can call G.I.A. and
have them send you a new one.
They keep track of every single Diamond Report they've ever done. They're all listed by registry number. That's a great thing to know: You'll never lose your Certification Information, ever! Now that's security!
G.I.A. Costs More
G.I.A. Certified Diamonds will cost more than non-Certified Diamonds. So what? You're paying a bit more for their high standards, security and integrity. But remember, they are the cream of the crop. A normal cost to have a 1.00 Carat Diamond Certified is around $100. I would imagine that most Jewelers would charge you $200-$300 to cover their own Overhead Costs & Shipping Charges. (It'll have to be insured!)
It could be worse... If your Diamond weighs more than 50 Carats, then it'll cost you about $2500 plus! OUCH! Play Big, Pay Big! I'm talking to you Elizabeth Taylor!
Turn around time
Standard turn around time to get your Diamond Certified is about a week. Unless you've got a 4.00 Carat Diamond, then you'll get the first class service and get their priority 2-3 day turn around time. Seems like size does matter!
So if you're considering buying a loose Diamond, here's a bit of advice: Never buy a loose Diamond that's NOT Certified! Ever! If it's a good deal, there's usually a horrible reason as to why it's that deal. Don't buy it. It's not worth the risk!
The only Certificate I would advise purchasing, hands down, is G.I.A. (The Gemological Institute of America) Be very careful not to get the G.I.A. mixed up with similar sounding certificate companies. And watch those abbreviation letters, they will fool you! Don't fall for it.
G.I.A. wrote the book. They made the 4 C's. They set the standards that America and Every Jeweler uses today. You can trust G.I.A.
Take your Chances
Now you can take your chances elsewhere with other appraisal companies. They could very well be accurate and perfect in their grading. The problem is, they're just not consistent. You never know. If you really want the TRUE grade of a Diamond... If you want to be assured that the Jeweler you're buying the Diamond from isn't ripping you off by selling you something that it's not... If you want to have peace of mind, zero disputes, and the best, most accurate, trusted appraisal in the World, then by all means take no substitutes!
Buy G.I.A. Certified Diamonds! They are the leaders in the industry, and the leaders in Diamond Grading!
Below is an actual scan of a G.I.A. Diamond Dossier Certificate Report for a Diamond that I have in my ear. Just so you can see a real one. Last word on G.I.A. and it's Certified Diamond Reports... G.I.A. rules!

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