GIA Diamond Grading Report Provides Most Respected Diamond Analysis
The most widely used and recognized means of verifying a diamond’s quality is with a GIA Diamond Grading Report™, provided by the internationally recognized, nonprofit GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
A report from GIA provides an expert analysis of the quality of a diamond based on the 4Cs of diamond grading: color, cut, clarity and carat weight. The GIA Diamond Grading Report also includes a plotting diagram that depicts the diamond’s unique clarity characteristics, such as inclusions. In addition, since GIA is not affiliated with any commercial enterprise, the public is assured the world’s most impartial and accurate analysis of a diamond.
The GIA laboratory employs highly trained diamond graders, gemologists, and research technicians and scientists to ensure the highest caliber of analysis for every diamond submitted for grading. Some of the world’s most famous diamonds have been graded by GIA laboratory experts, including the legendary Hope Diamond (45.52 carats), the De Beers Centenary Diamond (273.85 carats) and the Taylor-Burton Diamond (69.42 carats).
GIA only grades unmounted diamonds, and the fee for services varies based on the weight of the diamond. For an additional fee, the unique GIA Report Registry number can be micro-laser inscribed onto the diamond’s girdle (thin outer edge). This unique number provides added security to the diamond’s owner. The owner can also choose to inscribe a personal message, such as “I Love You” or a special date. The number or wording is permanently registered in GIA’s archive database.
Diamonds weighing 1.99 carats or less can be issued a GIA Diamond Dossier®. This report provides the same information as the GIA Diamond Grading Report, except for the plotting diagram. The micro-laser inscription of the diamond’s unique GIA Report number is included for each diamond receiving a Dossier at no additional charge.
The most convenient way for the public to obtain a GIA Diamond Grading Report or Diamond Dossier, or to request laser inscription services from the GIA laboratory, is to request services through a local fine jewelry retailer. Retail jewelers are familiar with the care and handling of diamonds and jewelry, are better equipped to facilitate service arrangements, and are uniquely qualified to advise the public on the importance of features discussed in a GIA Grading Report.
In 2012, GIA announced the GIA Diamond eReport service, delivering GIA grading results completely online. It is available for natural, D-to-Z color diamonds from 0.15 to 2.99 carats and is available via Report Check, GIA’s secure web-based report database. This new digital-only report provides grading results in a format that is not only more environmentally responsible, but also meets the needs of an evolving marketplace where information must be accessed and communicated rapidly. Additionally, the paperless report format allows us to offer this grading service at a lower fee.
GIA, the world’s foremost authority in gemology, is a public benefit institute and was established in 1931. The organization is noted for such achievements as inventing the modern jeweler’s loupe (1934), creating the 4Cs (late 1930s), and establishing the International Diamond Grading System™ (1953) – which is recognized worldwide as the standard for diamond grading.
