Diamond Grading Certificates: Are They All Created Equal?

Jonathan Goldberg • May 28, 2014
Diamond Grading Certificates: Are They All Created Equal?

When purchasing a diamond, it is extremely important that the specifications of your selected diamond are verified by a third party (whether the diamond is a Kimberfire diamond or is purchased elsewhere). For insurance purposes, for your peace of mind, for future value, there are many reasons why this third party certificate is critical. Which laboratory can you trust though?


Making the (Diamond) Grade

There are many diamond grading laboratories out there, but only a few with well-established reputations. Often, smaller labs are for-profit entities with various conflicts of interest. To ensure you receive an objective, reliable certificate, my recommendation is to always stick to the big guys. Diamonds carrying certificates from the larger grading laboratories may come with a small premium as the international labs charge more and their closest office may be out of town, but it is worth the nominal cost for a certificate you can trust and rely on.


GIA vs. EGL Diamond Grading Certificates

The most notable of these labs, and the certification body I stand behind, is the Gemological Institute of America (“GIA”). The GIA is widely known to have the most consistent and strict grading process out of any lab out there. Independent studies have shown GIA to be strict, consistent and, most of all, ethical when it comes to their processes and resulting grades.


Other well-known and reputable labs are the American Gem Society (“AGS”) and the International Gemological Institute (“IGI”).


On the opposite end of the spectrum are the labs that are known to be consistently inaccurate or lenient. The most well-known example of these lenient laboratories is the European Gemological Laboratory (“EGL), particularly their Hong Kong and Israel offices. In the trade, diamonds with these certificates sell at a substantial discount to the others. As a result, when passed through to the retail consumer, EGL certified diamonds may come off as being sold for an unbeatable price. As is the case with most too-good-to-be-true diamonds, EGL certificates are known in the industry to typically be two colour and/or clarity grades off, compared to the more-reputable graders. To be confident in what you are buying, I always suggest sticking to the more reputable labs mentioned above.


Proof Is In the Independent Studies

For more information you can view a recent study on the accuracy of the various labs, conducted by a major industry organization. In conducting this study, the team at Rapaport sent the same ten diamonds (of various sizes and qualities) to six different labs for grading. They found significant differences between laboratories grading the same diamond… no two diamonds are alike, and neither are their grading certificates apparently!


The six labs tested by Rapaport included the GIA, IGI, HRD, EGL USA, EGL Israel and EGL Hong Kong. Rapaport found the GIA to be the strictest of the group, thus setting the benchmark. EGL Israel and EGL Hong Kong were found to be one to two clarity and/or colour grades more lenient (if not more) in quite a few instances. This same trend also applied to cut and fluorescence grading by the EGL laboratories.


So Which Certificate Do YOU Trust?

While a diamond accompanied by an inferior diamond grading certificate may appear to be a bargain – the recommended course is to stay away. You can always purchase a GIA graded diamond, for the same price, that on paper is one to two clarity grades lower than the poorly graded diamond. You will walk away with the same product at the same price, but will then have the confidence of knowing that the diamond you purchased will be appreciated as such by anyone who may evaluate it in the future.


I’m always happy to answer any questions in the comments below! And, as usual, please share this article if you know anyone who may benefit from reading it.

Jonathan Goldberg - Kimberfire

Jonathan Goldberg is the Founder, President & CEO of Kimberfire – a brilliant way to buy diamond engagement rings, fine diamond jewelry, and loose diamonds in Toronto, ON and across Canada. Previously Jonathan worked in the Middle East, Belgium, and Canada in various roles in the luxury goods sector including manufacturing, business development, and diamond wholesale. Jonathan also spent a number of years as an investment banker with one of the large Canadian banks, where he focused on natural resources and diversified issuers.

About Kimberfire

A brilliant way to buy high-quality engagement rings, diamonds, and jewelry. View and inspect your carefully selected diamond virtually (via Zoom), or in our offices in Toronto, Canada. We ship worldwide.

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