Diamond certificates and grading reports
What is often called a diamond certificate is, in practice, a grading report. It is an independent laboratory’s description of the stone examined at a particular point in time.
What the report may show
Content depends on the laboratory and report type. Common details include:
- whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown;
- shape, cutting style and measurements;
- carat weight, colour and clarity;
- an overall cut grade where the laboratory’s system applies;
- polish, symmetry and fluorescence;
- treatments or growth method when covered by the report;
- a clarity plot or image, depending on the report type.
What the report is not
A grading report is not a monetary valuation, price guarantee or insurance document. It does not automatically prove country, mine, working conditions or environmental impact. An origin report is a separate service that requires a documented chain from rough to polished diamond.
GIA, IGI and other laboratories
Laboratories use different report formats and may update their services. GIA’s current assessment of colourless to near-colourless lab-grown diamonds is not structured in the same way as IGI’s full 4C reports. Do not compare headings or grades before checking the laboratory and report type.
Verify the report number
- Open the issuing laboratory’s official report checker, such as GIA Report Check or IGI Verify Your Report.
- Enter the report number.
- Compare the shape, measurements, carat and other characteristics with the seller’s details.
- Check a laser inscription on the girdle if the seller states that one is present.
Laser inscription is not universal. It should only be described as a feature of an individual stone after it has been verified.
Ask Giavor before ordering
Confirm which laboratory examined the diamond, which report is supplied, whether it is delivered digitally or on paper, and whether any treatments are listed. These terms may differ between products.
Find a diamond or book a consultation to read the report with us.