Are All Diamonds GIA Certified? (All You Need To Know)

Not all diamonds are certified by GIA. Instead, some diamonds may be certified by another grading institution, while others are simply not graded at all. Non-certified diamonds are typically just as valuable and high quality as certified diamonds, but certification can provide customers with peace of mind and protection when buying a diamond.

In the following article, we look at whether all diamonds have been GIA certified, including what this means for diamonds, why it’s important, and how you can tell whether a diamond has been certified.

Are all diamonds GIA-certified?

Not all diamonds are GIA certified. There are lots of reasons for this, including the fact that some diamonds may simply have not been through the process of being formally graded, while others may have been certified by another institution. 

There is nothing wrong with diamonds that have not been certified. Some people believe that these diamonds are lower in quality or damaged in some way, however, this is not true. Non-certified diamonds are sold by many reputable jewelry retailers and are usually just as good quality as certified diamonds. 

While some diamonds are simply never graded, others receive certification from another grading institution.

The most well-known institutions are the American Gem Society and the International Gemological Institute, both of which provide formal gradings to diamonds around the world.

Read also >> Where to Buy GIA Certified Diamonds (11 Best Places)

Read also >> How Long Does GIA Certification Take? (Here Is What To Do)

What is the GIA?

The GIA refers to the Gemological Institute of America, an organization considered to be the leading authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.

Formed in 1931 as a correspondence course on the grading of diamonds, the GIA has been a key source of information for retailers and consumers in the diamond trade.

The GIA created the industry standard for grading diamonds, the 4Cs, in the 40s. This process looks at the cut, clarity, color, and carat of a diamond in order to assess its value and quality.

Since the 40s, the 4Cs have become the standard around the world for grading diamonds.

What does GIA certification mean for diamonds?

Being GIA certified means that a diamond has been graded by the institution, a process that determines the value and quality of the stone.

No certificate is actually given, and instead, diamonds are given a grading report that explains its value and details the findings of the examination. 

The grading process is rigorous, meaning that diamonds are carefully and thoroughly inspected before receiving their grade. As grading covers the 4Cs – colour, cut, carat, and clarity, the grade the diamond receives is used to refer to the whole appearance and value of a diamond.

Although some diamonds are not certified by the GIA, the majority of experts recommend that diamonds should only be purchased if they have been graded by a leading authority.

Buying a diamond with certification is one of the best things you can do to make sure it is not being misrepresented and is worth the money you are investing.

Read also >> What Does It Mean if a Diamond Is GIA Certified? (Full Guide)

How can you tell if a diamond is certified?

Getting proof that a diamond has been certified is a vital part of the diamond-buying process, and it is recommended that you avoid buying a diamond that cannot be certified.

The best thing to do is ask to view the grading report given by the institution when the diamond was certified.

The report should give you all the information you need in regard to the diamond’s grading. It should tell you the results of the grading process in terms of the 4Cs and the final grade that has been given.

Viewing the certificate itself is key to making sure the diamond is truly certified by a leading authority.

Read also >> Are James Allen Diamonds GIA Certified? (Here Is Why)

Why is it important that diamonds are certified?

Certification by any institution is important when buying a diamond because it is the best way that you can know for certain that you’re buying a quality diamond worth the money you are paying.

When making an expensive purchase like a diamond engagement ring, it’s important that you get the right diamond that has been appropriately examined.

GIA certification also demonstrates the stone has been through a thorough inspection process, which can help determine whether it is a natural diamond.

This is particularly important if you don’t want to buy lab-grown diamonds and are only interested in natural, organically grown diamonds.

Finally, grading allows you to compare diamonds more easily, as the findings given by the GIA are unbiased and therefore should accurately represent the diamond as it is. Getting an honest evaluation of the diamond helps you to compare it with another and choose the most appropriate one for you. 

Do GIA certified diamonds cost more?

You may find that GIA certified diamonds are more expensive than non-certified diamonds, which is often due to the increased quality and the fee many jewelers place on certified diamonds to cover the costs of grading.

The GIA states that certified diamonds typically cost more because the price is reflective of the quality of the diamond you are buying.

Certification acts as a guarantee that your diamond is high quality, which means they often warrant a higher price tag. Other factors, like diamonds of a certain carat, may also cause an increased price point.

However, many experts will tell you that is worth spending more to buy a certified diamond. Diamonds are usually purchased as a considered purchase, such as a diamond engagement ring, which many people are likely prepared to spend more on.

When you buy a certified diamond, you also pay for the protection and guarantee that comes with the grading.

Where can you get GIA certified diamonds from?

There is no set place you can purchase a GIA certified diamond from. Instead, GIA certified diamonds should be available to buy from any reputable, quality jewelry retailer.

Some well-known online retailers also have GIA diamonds available for purchase.

If you need assistance finding a GIA certified diamond, the GIA offers a Lookup feature on their website, which allows you to search locally for retailers who sell GIA certified diamonds or have staff trained by GIA.

This can be a useful feature for anyone who is struggling to find the right diamond for them and needs some assistance.

Pros and cons of GIA certification for diamonds

Pros

• When you buy a GIA certified diamond, you can be sure you are buying a diamond that has been thoroughly inspected for value and quality, and that you are getting what you are paying for. This is particularly important if you are spending a lot of money on a diamond or want something that is going to last a long time.
• Certification also means you can be sure of what are you buying. If you have been promised that your diamond is a certain cut or color and later find out that it isn’t what you were told, you can end up losing out on a lot of money. So, it’s safer to be careful and ensure your diamond is certified as proof.
• If you are particularly interested in natural, organically grown diamonds, GIA certification is an important thing to look for. While lab-grown diamonds can be certified, the grading report will list whether your diamond is natural or not. This is also helpful for determining the origin of a stone you aren’t sure of.

Cons

• The major downside of GIA certification is that it usually increases the price of the diamond. Diamond prices can increase a great deal when they are graded, especially if they are found to be a certain cut, clarity, or carat weight. While this may not bother some people, others may be put off by the increased price.

GIA Diamonds Certification FAQs

Do GIA mine diamonds?

GIA does not mine their own diamonds or have diamonds mined for them. Instead, the diamonds they grade are sent to them by traders directly from mines or by owners who are interested in determining the value and quality of the stone. 

GIA also doesn’t buy or sell diamonds. Aside from helping in the valuation of diamonds during the grading process, GIA is not involved in the buying, selling, or pricing of diamonds in any other way.

They also don’t work with any retailers or commercial traders, likely to make sure they can stay objective and unbiased when grading diamonds.

How do you get diamonds certified by GIA?

Any diamond can be graded by GIA, which means they are put through the rigorous process of being examined at length.

You can even submit a diamond for grading yourself, simply by shipping it directly to one of GIA’s labs or by working with a jeweler to get it submitted for you.

Conclusion

Not every diamond is GIA certified. Instead, some diamonds are certified by other grading institutions, while others may not have received grading or certification at all.

Certification of a diamond helps to make sure that it is worth its price, and helps customers be sure they are getting good value for their money and a high-quality diamond.

References

https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/what-is-a-gia-diamond/