A diamond certificate is an independent report that confirms exactly what you're buying. Here's how to read one.
What is a diamond certificate?
A grading report, often called a certificate, is issued by an independent gemological laboratory. It records the diamond's measurements and grades so you know exactly what you're getting, regardless of who sells it.
IGI and GIA
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the world's most recognised laboratory for natural diamonds.
- IGI (International Gemological Institute) is the leading laboratory for lab-grown diamonds and also grades natural diamonds.
Both are independent and respected. Every lab-grown diamond at Eluri is IGI certified, and where a piece comes with a grading report for a natural diamond, it's from IGI or GIA.
What's on the report
- Report number: often laser-inscribed on the diamond's girdle, so the report and the stone can be matched.
- Shape and cutting style: for example, round brilliant or oval.
- Measurements: the length, width and depth in millimetres.
- Carat weight, colour and clarity grades.
- Cut grade for round diamonds, plus polish and symmetry.
- Fluorescence: how the diamond reacts to UV light. None or faint is usually preferred.
- Growth method for lab-grown diamonds, such as CVD or HPHT.
Certificate or valuation?
They do different jobs. A certificate describes the diamond's quality. A valuation estimates a replacement value for insurance. Every Eluri piece comes with both: the diamond's grading report where one is included, and an independent valuation from Jewellery Valuations Australia.
What a certificate can't tell you
A report can't show you how a diamond looks in person. Two diamonds with the same grades can differ in brightness and character. That's why we hand-select every diamond and show you real options before you decide.
New to diamond grades? Start with the 4 Cs of diamonds explained, or browse our IGI certified engagement rings.