Which Diamond Lab Certification Is The Best?
Which
Diamond Lab Certification
is the Best?
Key Highlights
- Certificate Caution: Diamond certificates don’t always guarantee accuracy. Unlike patented products, diamonds are natural, allowing for less regulated grading.
- The “Fun Lab” Fiasco: Beware of labs that inflate grades. A “real” F VS1 diamond might be labelled D IF by a “fun lab,” costing you more for the same stone.
- Trust & Transparency: Choose GIA, IGI, HRD, or AGS certificates for reliable grading. Prioritize certificates from reputable labs for future resale.
- Empowered Buying: With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions and find the perfect diamond that aligns with your budget and preferences.
- Top Lab Breakdown:
– GIA: The Benchmark – Sets the standard for accurate grading.
– HRD: Generally Aligned – May offer slightly higher grades for top stones.
– IGI: Similar to HRD – Potential for higher colour & clarity grades.
– EGL/IGL: Buyer Beware – Significant grade inflation possible. Opt for EGL USA or EGL Platinum for stricter grading.
– AGS: Cut Emphasis – Known for “triple zero” certificates highlighting cut quality, with potential colour and clarity upgrades vs GIA.
Choosing a diamond can be daunting, and navigating the world of grading laboratories adds another layer of complexity. This post sheds light on the key diamond labs and the potential discrepancies you might encounter.
The Achilles' Heel of Diamond Certificates
The burning question: can you trust every diamond certificate? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Unlike patented products, diamonds are natural resources, making consumer protection less straightforward.
Anyone can establish a diamond lab and rely solely on visual assessment for grading. Here’s the problem: diamond prices are heavily influenced by weight, colour, and clarity.
![cut diamond with certificate cut diamond with certificate](https://dianoche.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/iStock-1733803074.jpg?resize=1%2C1)
![Diamond identification certificate Diamond identification certificate](https://dianoche.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/iStock-844867652.jpg?resize=1%2C1)
The "Fun Lab" Fiasco
Imagine a strict lab grading a diamond as F VS1 – a price tag of roughly $10,000 per carat based on the standard list. Now, a less stringent lab, nicknamed a “fun lab,” might label the same diamond D IF or VVS, inflating its perceived value to $16,000–$18,000 per carat.
This “loose” grading benefits the seller, not the buyer. An unsuspecting customer might believe they’ve snagged a D IF diamond at a steal with a “fun lab” certificate for $12,000. In reality, they’ve overpaid by 20% for an F VS1 diamond. Remember, “cheap” can often turn out to be expensive in disguise.
Decoding the Top 5 Diamond Labs
Here’s a breakdown of the five most prominent labs and their grading tendencies:
- GIA vs. HRD: Widely considered the most reliable lab, GIA sets the grading benchmark. HRD assessments usually differ by one colour grade or half a clarity grade compared to GIA. In exceptional cases, top colour and clarity diamonds might receive 1.5–2 higher grades in HRD. Both labs are generally consistent in cut and fluorescence assessments.
- GIA vs. IGI: IGI aligns closely with HRD in colour and clarity. However, for the very top colours using syndicate rough diamonds, IGI might award 2 higher grades in both colour and clarity. Additionally, a GIA-graded diamond with medium or strong fluorescence could receive a slight or very slight rating in an IGI certificate. IGI also tends to be slightly more lenient on cut than GIA.
- GIA vs. EGL/IGL: Grading discrepancies here can be significant, ranging from 2–4 colour grades (EGL USA is stricter, with a potential difference of only one colour grade). Clarity grades can be 1–2 levels higher in EGL. This means a diamond with an EGL certificate could potentially boast 6 higher grades that don’t reflect the stone’s actual characteristics. If you choose an EGL certificate, opt for EGL USA or EGL Platinum, considered the strictest within the EGL network.
- GIA vs. AGS: AGS is known for its emphasis on cut and light reflection, reflected in their “triple zero” certificates. Colour upgrades can be 1–2 grades, with a half-grade increase in clarity compared to GIA.
The Bottom Line: Trust and Transparency
While numerous labs exist, only a select few offer accurate grading that reflects the diamond itself. GIA reigns supreme in terms of accuracy, followed by IGI, HRD, and AGS. Many other labs tend to inflate grades, favouring the seller.
When purchasing a certified diamond, prioritize certificates from reputable labs like GIA and those commonly traded amongst wholesalers for easier future resale. Remember, informed buying empowers you to make the best diamond decision for your budget and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating diamond grading labs can be tricky. While a certificate adds value, it’s crucial to understand the lab behind it. GIA is the gold standard, followed by IGI, HRD, and AGS. Remember, inflated grades from some labs can mean you overpay for a diamond. By prioritizing reputable labs and understanding their grading tendencies, you’ll be empowered to choose a diamond that sparkles with both beauty and value.