What is a GIA-Certified Diamond and Why You Need to Know

You may have noticed that some diamonds and diamond jewelry are sold as "certified" and others are "non-certified." If you've ever wondered what kind of certifications diamonds receive, and what certification itself means, well, read on!

While not all beautiful, high-quality diamonds are certified, understanding just what certified and non-certified mean when it comes to diamonds is good information to know when shopping for diamond jewelry in Kansas City. After all, chances are you're not a jeweler or gemologist who can appraise gems at face value! So, if you're concerned that a diamond (or any other gem you're looking at purchasing) might not be as good as it looks, and want to know its actual, indisputable quality, you can look at its GIA report to get all the facts about it.

So, what exactly is a GIA report? Well, the GIA—the Gemology Institute of America—is a nonprofit organization that serves the public by providing scientific assessments of a diamond's quality. Established in 1931, the GIA originally developed the "Four C's" of diamond grading and classification, which readers of this blog know well: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. Diamonds submitted to the GIA receive a full report on those aspects, meaning a detailed description that discusses color, cut style, weight, and measurements, as well as a discussion of the diamond's other important characteristics.

The GIA's methods for assessing diamonds are used internationally; they are the most trusted organization in the world when it comes to gem quality and identification. They use objective tests to determine whether stones are natural and whether they've received any treatments to achieve their look. Looking at a stone's GIA report takes the guesswork out of jewelry-buying, basically. Of course, if you like a stone, you like a stone! But if you're concerned, a GIA report will put your mind at ease, as the organization has no vested interest in selling diamonds to customers.

If you want to be completely sure of a diamond purchase, obtaining a GIA report on the stone means you're getting the best, most objective determination of the quality of the diamond you're buying, based on a detailed, unbiased, scientific investigation of its merits. The GIA report will include a serial number for the diamond, as well, ensuring it is the diamond you think it is. That way, you can buy with confidence, knowing everything about the diamond you're buying for your fiancée, your partner, or for yourself.

Noe's in Kansas City stocks plenty of diamonds that are GIA-certified. Some are already set into rings and other pieces of fine jewelry; some are loose. If you're interested in stones with a GIA report, come in and ask to see what we have. We're happy to share the information with our customers! Of course, we stand by all our diamonds and diamond jewelry, whether or not they're GIA-certified. But we are pleased to accommodate anyone who wants the extra comfort of an objective, highly detailed report from an internationally respected third party.

If you're in the market for a diamond or for diamond jewelry that is GIA-certified, visit Noe's online or in person at our Raymore, Missouri jewelry store. We'll go over everything about your purchase so you're confident in what you're buying!