No matter how knowledgeable you may be, shopping for a wholesale diamond can be confusing and lead to a lot of questions about whether or not the diamond is as advertised. To help consumers feel confident in their purchase, independent organizations such as the GIA provide official certifications to verify loose diamonds.
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has become a trusted and reliable authority within the diamond industry. In 1953, the GIA grading system for diamonds and other gemstones was accepted around the world. To this day, loose diamonds can be sent to the GIA to obtain certification that will then follow the diamond whenever it is bought or sold. Because the GIA is an independent third party, customers can be assured that the reports are truthful and unbiased.
What exactly is in this certification? The GIA analyzes a loose diamond and then provides a complete report detailing information on the 4C’s (carat, cut, clarity and color) of that particular stone. The report also provides information on whether the diamond has been treated to improve its appearance, as well as grades on polish and symmetry. There are a number of different services GIA offers in addition to certification, such as a laser inscription that will microscopically inscribe the GIA report number within the stone to prevent fraud. The inscribed number is printed on the GIA certificate to ensure confirmation of the stone’s identity.
When shopping for a wholesale diamond, how do you know that the carat, cut, color and clarity of the diamond is what the seller says it is? By checking the GIA certification, of course. Without this official certification, there is no way to know how much the diamond is worth and, therefore, what a fair price is for it. Diamonds that are GIA certified will also hold a stronger resale value, since you’ll have official documentation to prove its worth in the future.
Brilliance customers have convenient access to competitive wholesale diamond prices. Brilliance customers can filter loose diamonds based on whether they are GIA certified or not. Brilliance even allows customers to view the actual GIA certification for loose diamonds directly through the website. These reports come with a unique identification number that can be further verified through the GIA website so customers can be reassured that the diamond they are buying is as advertised.
It’s important to note that a GIA certificate and an appraisal from a GIA-trained gemologist are not the same and do not hold the same weight. If a jeweler is not willing to provide the actual GIA certification, then it’s best to not purchase that wholesale diamond. Also, remember that the GIA will only analyze loose diamonds because diamond settings can hide imperfections and lead to an inaccurate report. To purchase a GIA certified wholesale diamond, buy a loose diamond with the proper documentation, and then create a custom setting.
