Diamonds can be damaged by various factors. This can include scratches, chips, and cracks. It is important to inspect your diamond regularly to prevent these issues. This can be done with a few simple tools. You will need a pair of tweezers and a good light source.
There are four main aspects that determine the value of a diamond. These are the clarity, color, carat weight, and cut.
GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is one of the world’s most renowned and respected diamond grading organizations. Its grading system is used by many jewelers and collectors to evaluate the quality of their diamonds. Despite its name, the GIA is not actually a “certifying” organization; it only grades gems. Nevertheless, many people use the term “GIA certified” when referring to a diamond that has been evaluated by the GIA.
There are a few things to keep in mind when inspecting a diamond at home. First, make sure that your hands are clean. While this may seem obvious, it is essential for accurate inspection. Diamonds attract dirt, so you want to be as clean as possible to prevent any errors in the appraisal process. Next, you should use tweezers to hold the stone. The best tweezers to use are locking tweezers, which will help you avoid dropping or losing the diamond. Also, try to find a light source that isn’t too bright or too dark. This will prevent eyestrain and help you see the details of your diamond more clearly.
Another important thing to remember is that a diamond’s value depends on four aspects. These are Clarity, Color, Carat Weight, and Cut. In-depth laboratory analysis is necessary to judge these aspects accurately, but even novices can understand the importance of the four C’s.
If you are interested in learning more about a particular diamond, consider using a real-time diamond inspection service. This service allows you to talk with a professional diamond expert in real time. Several companies, including the GIA, offer this service. This service is free and easy to use, so it’s worth trying it out!
EGL
Buying a diamond is an important investment, and you want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal. One of the best ways to do this is by purchasing a diamond with a GIA certificate. The GIA is one of the most respected gemological laboratories in the world and has strict standards for its diamond gradings. This ensures that the diamond you receive is exactly what you paid for, and will not be a cheap imitation.
While GIA has many labs around the world, they all follow the same rigorous grading practices. The GIA’s reputation is based on their consistent results and strict objectivity standards. This is why a diamond certified by the GIA will always be more valuable than an EGL diamond of the same grade.
The EGL diamond grading system is different from the GIA’s, as it is a for-profit organization. As a result, their certifications are not as reliable. In addition, they often use GIA terminology but ignore GIA grading standards. For example, a diamond with a GIA I1 clarity grade may be sold as an EGL SI3 by some jewelers.
Rapaport pointed out that this is an issue that can be easily corrected by retailers and dealers. He suggested that they disclose possible grading discrepancies when selling a diamond and offer customers a grace period to get their diamonds re-certified by the GIA.
When shopping for an EGL diamond, be sure to check the location of the laboratory. The different EGL locations have different grading standards, but EGL USA is known to be more stringent than the others. EGL reports from Israel, Europe, and anywhere other than Los Angeles or New York are considered to be borderline fraud.
IGI
IGI is a world-leading diamond grading institute, providing independent gemological evaluations to ensure the integrity of every diamond. Its labs are equipped with advanced technology to detect gemstone treatments and determine natural or synthetic origins. IGI also provides training and appraisal services to the gem and jewelry industry. Its certification is accepted around the world. IGI was the first to pioneer a modern laser-inscription process and the first to offer rough diamond courses, among other industryfirsts. IGI is also a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts, with programs and resources to help other jewelers in this important area.
IGI offers a comprehensive range of diamond grading and related services, including research, education, laboratory and jewelry appraisal services. Its unbiased grading reports help buyers make informed purchase decisions. Moreover, IGI has established a consistent grading system that is recognized worldwide. IGI’s grading system is based on the four Cs of diamond quality: carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.
The IGI diamond certification is a trusted symbol of diamond authenticity and quality. Its labs use advanced technology to evaluate the diamond’s color, clarity, and carat weight. The report includes the IGI’s precise grading scale and a description of the diamond’s characteristics. In addition, the report also includes a detailed description of the diamond’s fluorescence and polish grade.
Although IGI is a reputable diamond grading organization, it is not as strict as GIA when it comes to evaluating the 4 Cs of a diamond. This is due to the fact that IGI labs are not as tightly structured globally. This leads to slight inconsistencies between IGI labs around the world. However, IGI diamonds are still worth considering, if you are looking for a high-quality diamond at a reasonable price.
IF
Diamonds are expensive, and even the smallest blemishes can affect their value. Luckily, you can avoid the hassle of paying a professional jeweler to inspect your diamonds at home by performing some simple tests. While these tests aren’t foolproof, they will give you a good idea of whether or not your diamonds are authentic. These tests work best on loose diamonds rather than mounted ones, since they are more easily evaluated without being encased in a setting.
Start by acquiring a loupe, which is a magnifying glass used by gemologists and jewelers to identify inclusions in a diamond. Loupes can be purchased for a reasonable price online, and are a worthwhile investment to have in your jewelry arsenal. Be sure to practice using them in a comfortable position, such as a stool, and make sure the lighting is proper for your needs.
Place the diamond in front of your mouth and fog it up with your breath. If the diamond stays foggy for more than a few seconds, it is likely fake. You can also try dropping the diamond into a glass of water. A real diamond will sink in the water due to its high density, while a simulant will float.
Another way to test a diamond is by looking at its fluorescence under UV light. Most diamonds will glow blue under UV light, while a green or gray color indicates it is most likely fake.
VVS
When it comes to diamond clarity, VVS is one of the best grades available. It means that a diamond has very few flaws and will be hard to spot with the naked eye. This grade falls just below internally flawless, and it is the ideal option for those who want to make a statement with their jewelry but don’t have the budget for a flawless gem. However, it is important to be sure that a diamond meets this criteria before purchasing it. You should use a reputable jeweler who can provide you with the information necessary to make a decision about your purchase.
VVS diamonds contain very tiny inclusions that can only be seen with a microscope or loupe. These inclusions are not as obvious as those of a FL or I1 diamond, but they still affect the transparency of the stone. Inclusions can be caused by minerals or impurities during a diamond’s growth. They can also be the result of a flaw in the diamond’s structure. Some common types of inclusions include feathers, clouds, and needles.
When buying a VVS diamond, you should ensure that the gem is accompanied by an authentic certificate from a reputable laboratory like GIA. A GIA certification is the gold standard in the diamond industry, and it can be used to verify whether a diamond has been altered or damaged. Moreover, it can help you avoid unscrupulous retailers who sell low-quality diamonds. You should also keep your hands clean when inspecting a diamond, and you should never touch it with your bare hand. This will prevent grime from contaminating the diamond’s surface. It is also important to be prepared for the inspection, and you should know what to expect before you go in.