A diamond certificate is sometimes referred to as a diamond grading report. It is a report by a team of gemologists of their scientific evaluation of a specifically identified diamond that includes identification of the diamond's dimensions, color, clarity, symmetry, polish and cut.  Before the final certification report is issued, two or more certified gemologists will have independently graded the diamond and will agree with the final analysis.

Diamond Certifications are available for loose diamonds weighing 0.375 ct. and above.  It is important to have an independent grading analysis because it is your assurance that you are getting an accurately graded diamond.  All diamond certifications have a registration number associated with each diamond.   This registration number is laser inscribed by the certification laboratory on the girdle of the diamond at the time the diamond is graded. This inscription provides the purchaser with proof that the diamond matches the diamond certificate and also provides the purchaser with the means of identifying his diamond.

Diamond Certifications are available from a number of independent laboratories.  The primary laboratories include:

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a nonprofit, independent organization that created and introduced the International Diamond Grading System in 1953.  It is the most respected gem identification and grading authority in the world.  Graduates of its gemology school are known as GIA Certified Gemologists. The laboratory is in Carlsbad, Ca.

American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL)

The American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) is a nonprofit trade association that operates a diamond grading laboratory headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada..  The laboratory uses GIA Certified Gemologists to grade diamonds submitted by members for evaluation. The AGS Laboratory has developed its own diamond grading system.

Northwest Gemological Laboratory, Inc. (NGL)

Northwest Gemological Laboratory, Inc. is a company that provides state-of-the-art gemological grading services in its laboratory facility in Bellevue, Washington. NGL has been offering grading and appraisals since 1978 to attorneys, insurance companies, and jewelers.   Northwest Gemological Laboratory, Inc. appraisers have completed the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)  Graduate Gemologist training.  

HRD Institute of Gemmology (HRD)

The HRD Institute of Gemmology (HRD) is located in Antwerp, Belgium.  It’s an official,  internationally recognized organization that acts as a host, spokesperson and intermediary for the Belgian diamond community. The HRD Institute of Gemmology has a Certificates Department that is certified for the quality examination of diamonds according to ISO 17025.

International Gemological Institute (IGI)

International Gemological Institute (IGI) is among the world's largest independent gem certification and appraisal institutes. IGI has grading laboratories in Antwerp, New York, and Bangkok.

Independent Gemological Laboratories, Inc. (IGL)

The Independent Gemological Laboratories, Inc. (IGL) is based in New York .  Independent Gemological Laboratories, Inc. appraisers have completed the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)  Graduate Gemologist training.  

European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)       

The European Gemological Laboratory started in 1973 in Antwerp and is the largest independent gemological laboratory organization.  They have laboratories in Antwerp, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto,  Istanbul, Johannesburg, Cape Town, London, Paris, Tel Aviv , Seoul and Mumbai 

American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)

The American Gemological Laboratories specializes in  comprehensive colored gemstone examination reports that include country of origin and enhancement detection for important colored gemstones.  Their laboratory in in New York.  They are considered to be the leader in colored gemstone analysis.

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