Choosing a diamond grading laboratory

“50% OFF Valued at $9,995 Now Selling at $4,995″. How many times have you seen advertising like this? When it involves diamond jewellery almost certainly the diamond does not have an independent grading report or certificate and the valuation is over inflated.

The past few years have seen an increase in consumer awareness regarding diamond certification. This has had a very positive effect on reducing the problems encountered by consumers buying diamonds. More and more consumers are demanding a diamond certificate, and the ability to sell with inflated valuations has been restricted.

The downside unfortunately to all this has been the emergence of ‘pseudo’ laboratories, lacking the equipment and not professionally recognised. Many of these have sprung up to find a loophole around having to obtain an independent grading report from a recognised laboratory. The ‘certificates’ they produce look official but there is little or no substance behind the grading. In some cases the ‘laboratories’ issuing these documents purport to be independent but are nothing more than the self grading arm of the merchant or retailer selling the diamond.

So what should the consumer look for? You have taken the time to do some research and realise how important a diamond certificate is, now be sure the certificate you get is in fact from a recognised independent grading laboratory. If you are unsure ask the following questions.

• Does the laboratory that issued the certificate have the equipment to detect synthetic or treated diamonds?
• Is the laboratory independent or is it owned or run by the person or company selling the diamonds?
• Does the lab have an internationally recognised diamond master set for colour grading?
• Is the laboratory recognised by any international or local trade body?
• Does the lab grade to an internationally recognised standard?

If you cannot get the answers to these questions stick to the laboratories that do meet these criteria. Look for the independently certified diamonds trust mark.

For more information see www.independentlycertifieddiamonds.com and www.gemex.com.au to learn about the laboratories that are recognised.