The certification and the “5C”
For every high-quality diamond, an accompanying independent appraisal is an absolute must. The information contained within ensures the quality and thus the price, objectively securing the diamond’s value upon resale. This “5th C”, the international passport for diamonds, is as important today as the four quality characteristics themselves.
There are numerous certification institutes worldwide, and jewelers also create so-called “jeweler certificates” for the diamonds they typically sell. However, these “jeweler certificates” do not constitute objective appraisals and do not meet the criteria of internationally recognized diamond grading standards, which serve as a globally uniform convertible currency. The certificates from various independent certification bodies primarily differ in their accuracy in interpreting uniform grading criteria. Therefore, we offer you only diamonds with certificates from certification institutes that enjoy the highest international reputation. Verreaud consciously excludes certificates from certain institutes if adherence to grading criteria fluctuates too much, making them unreliable for the buyer. This exclusion applies regardless of how well-represented an institute is in the market. This is the only way we can ensure that you have acquired a globally convertible, value-stable currency with the diamonds purchased from us.
THE MOST RENOWNED INSTITUTES ARE:
Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD)
HRD Diamant Certificate & HRD Identification Report
Diamonds with certificates from HRD, a certification institute based in Antwerp, are particularly widespread in Europe. HRD certificates are highly recognized for their precise and strict diamond grading. The institute is essentially the European counterpart to GIA. Compared to GIA, HRD tends to grade slightly stricter at the upper end of the color scale and slightly less strict at the lower end. Therefore, HRD diamonds are sometimes slightly cheaper.
American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS)
The Platinum Diamond Quality Document & The Diamond Quality Certificate
This US-based, internationally recognized certification lab provides reliable analyses and is trustworthy and unbiased. The certificate is not widely used in Europe. AGS has developed its own high standards for the 4 C’s of diamonds. Diamonds are graded on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being the best rating – a diamond rated with a 0-cut is considered “AGS Ideal Cut.”
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
IGI Diamond Report
IGI is a European lab headquartered in Antwerp. The institute is one of the oldest and largest certification bodies worldwide. IGI certificates are sometimes thought to rate diamonds higher than GIA or HRD, meaning they tend to choose the better rating in borderline cases. Due to its efficient organization, the institute is particularly appreciated by wholesalers. These two factors make IGI stones sometimes more affordable.
Antwerp International Gemological Laboratories (AIG)
The independent, internationally-based lab and its European and American gemologists set elite standards for gemological certificates and appraisals worldwide. The latest and most advanced equipment is used for diamond analysis, providing reliable and accurate documentation. All appraisals are assigned a unique serial number and are accessible online worldwide. AIG certificates are recognized and accepted globally by industry experts and buyers. The AIG Academy is equipped with the world’s most advanced gemological equipment, and its standards are also recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Economy.
The Certified Gemological Laboratory of Europe (CGL)
CGL offers traders at diamond exchanges worldwide several advantages: fast, thorough, accurate, and professional appraisal services. CGL guarantees absolute objectivity through a double-coding system, whereby the graders do not know the names of the certification clients. The graders at CGL are among the most professional in the diamond industry. They use the latest equipment to analyze diamonds in accordance with the strictest nomenclature of independent global diamond grading standards. With a direct seat near the Israeli Diamond Exchange, CGL offers its services where they are needed. Additionally, CGL lecturers provide gemology studies, demonstrating CGL’s commitment to the Israeli diamond industry. The training at CGL is recognized by the Ministry of Education and the National Israeli Diamond Workers Union.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
GIA Diamond Grading Report & GIA Diamond Dossier
GIA was founded in 1931 and is certainly the best known and most respected institute worldwide today. This non-commercial organization creates accurate reports and applies the strictest evaluation criteria. Diamonds with a GIA certificate therefore retain their value best. When buying, it should be noted that GIA-certified diamonds usually fetch the highest prices. Due to these facts, the certificate is particularly well suited for investment diamonds.
