THE DIAMOND’S “CERTIFIED”!??
IT'S CERTIFIED, AND THAT'S ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS!
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As much as I emphasize “GIA certified diamonds“, and try to educate customers and readers, one thing’s apparent:
It doesn’t really matter.
99% of all consumers don’t care “who” certifies the diamond, only that “it is” certified.
So to them, GIA, EGL, IGI, AGS and HRD are all the same.
It’s a “certified” stone, and in their eyes, it means the quality is verified, accurate, and authentic.
If the certificate (really called a diamond report) says that a diamond is SI2, I, then by all means, it’s an SI2, I.
Right?
WRONG!
You’re buying into B.S., and the only one hurting is you and your pocketbook.
For most diamond grading companies are lax and loose, and grade diamonds differently.
Some don’t have the right equipment, or are using old, out-of-date machines that don’t give proper readings.
And some companies even add in extra grades (that GIA doesn’t recognize) that only confuse the public more.
(I’m looking at you SI3)
Many grading institutes are very lenient in their opinions, and will “bump” the grades up (so an I1 becomes an SI2).
This makes the stones look better, sell better, and makes more money.
Which makes the jeweler’s happy and want to use them even more.
Not to mention the fact that these so-called-certificates are cheaper and quicker (just days turn-around time). That’s why, even though GIA is the best (and everyone will agree on this), you’ll still see all the other certs instead.
GIA takes longer, cost’s more, and is more strict in their reports.
But, if it was your store, and you could send in a stone and get a “fudged” certificate (still legal by the FTC guidelines), then why Wouldn’t you?
You’d make more money.
And money = business.
That’s just the way it goes.
So what should you do?
Buy only one diamond report: GIA.
Nothing else.
(AGS is a second best bet)
It’s GIA all the way. If you want the most accurate report possible… Otherwise, you may be paying more for that diamond and not getting the grade you expected.
Because all certificates are not created equal.
Just because the sales rep says “This diamond is certified“, doesn’t mean squat.
Unless it’s “GIA certified.”
SO ASK!
Ask if it’s GIA, because nobody beats GIA.
No other companies compare.
Are you buying the right certified stone?
Maybe, maybe not.
To see some diamonds that I recommend (SI1+, G-H+, Excellent Cut, Polish, Symmetry, with No Fluorescence), check out these stones here at James Allen.
James Allen has very good deals, and their warranties are top-notch.
(P.S. And if you look into other fancy shapes, like the Radiant Cut, Marquise Cut, Heart Shaped, Asscher Cut, or Cushion Cut, you can save even more money.)
So if it’s not GIA…
Then don’t buy it.
Cheers! :)