Don't Forget the 5th C!
The Four C’s mentioned above are the basic guidelines for buying a good quality diamond, but these Four C’s can only be deciphered by expert gemologists. They use highly sophisticated spectrometers and other necessary equipment required for the inspection of diamonds in laboratories. A document is generally issued by such laboratories explaining the vital characteristics and grading of the 4 C’s.

The 5th C refers to Certification. It provides details about the critical parameters that affect the gem’s quality, value and appearance. Certification is therefore very important for diamond experts for verification of their purchase.

Reputable Diamond Certifying Organizations

A diamond certificate is a statement, issued by an independent gemological laboratory. Expert gemologists in these labs perform various tests on a diamond using good quality gemological instruments and the observations are recorded in the Certificate. GIA (Gemological Institute of America), American Gem Society (AGS) and IGI (International Gemological Institute) is three such laboratories. Evaluation and certification of diamonds should always be performed through such labs only. Gem laboratories all over the world grade and certify stones. The oldest and most respected grading lab is the Gemological Institute of America or (GIA). Second prominent lab is the American Gem Society (AGS).

The GIA certificate that is issued has microprint lines, holograms, and security screens to make counterfeits more readily identified. The only other certification that can hold a candle to the GIA is the American Gem Society Laboratories. The AGSL is highly respected and also issues an objective, in-depth report with each diamond that is inspected in their lab.

Diamond Appraisal and Diamond Certificate

Most people confuse with diamond appraisal and diamond certificate and understand them to be the same. However, there are major differences between the two and it is necessary o understand them.

A diamond certificate refers to a document issued by renowned gemological laboratories certifying a lose diamond, in which its required and appropriate details are included, the details would be regarding the diamond’s physical properties at the time of evaluation .The Certificate holds its value over a long period of time, provided the diamond does not get degraded by any mishandling or alteration. The laboratories would not issue

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Diamond Certificate Helpful for Insurance

A grading report, or "certification" does not add value to your stone, and not having one does not detract from its value. Rather, it assures the value of the stone. It proves that you got what you paid for. It's also helpful whenever you need to identify your diamond - if it is ever lost or stolen, or if you give it to someone to do repair work and you want to make sure they gave you your diamond back.

In case of lost or stolen diamonds, the certification is helpful in facilitating its replacement with another diamond, the quality remaining similar. A Diamond Grading Report provides accurate and necessary information to look up the price in one of the guides that the diamond cutting industry uses. This will give the most accurate value of the diamond in possession, or the one to be purchased.

The appraisal takes into account the mark up by the retail jeweler — often times double or even triple of their actual cost — and the fact that many insurance companies are reluctant to pay the full appraised price. This is why the appraisal is typically higher than the actual price paid for the item — not because the retail jeweler decided to give you a good deal!

Security Features in the GIA Diamond Certificates

To ensure integrity, GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Reports include a suite of security components. Notable features include a hologram, security screen, microprint lines and chemical sensitivity, in addition to several other proprietary security features.

GIA's "New Generation" Reports

Beginning January 1, 2000, the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory issued a "new generation" of diamond grading, colored diamond and gemological identification report forms and covers. The entire family of GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Reports features a contemporary design and incorporates security features that exceed document industry security guidelines. GIA will continue to recognize all Reports it has issued these past 50 years.

Your important step in finding the right diamond is to go beyond the 4 Cs and learn the important details about certified diamonds and GIA diamond certificates (or Diamond Grading Reports as they are technically called) -- so you can compare any two diamonds accurately. The price of a diamond is in the details, so this is more important than it seems.....

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Certified Jewelry from Pippin Bass

Our diamond jewelry is manufactured with the best industry standards and each design is inspected by our experts. We adhere to the highest standards set by the renown diamond and gem laboratories such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) The certificate provides an analysis with grading based on the 4Cs such as Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and it will state the estimated retail value.

We top the quality diamonds with our workmanship, customer service, low price and the 30-day return guarantee to bring you the best value in purchases you make for you and your loved ones.

All diamond jewelry is not the same. When you shop for diamond jewelry, make sure you compare quality and final prices. We bring you great jewelry at lower prices without the discount gimmicks, surcharges or taxes. Browse our designs, compare our prices and buy with confidence. Click below to see our standard appraisal card that you will receive with every diamond jewelry purchase.

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What are the 4Cs of Diamond?

Gemology experts have developed methods of grading diamonds depending on their characteristics most important to their value as a gem. Four characteristics popularly known as the Four C’s are commonly used as basic descriptors of diamond, namely Clarity, Color, Cut and Carat. The value of a white diamond is determined by what are commonly referred to as the 4Cs. The 4Cs are the Diamond's Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. Each of the 4Cs are important and the most valuable Diamonds are those that possess the best of all four measurements......

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