The Importance of a Diamond Certificate

The issue of certification should be considered important by anyone who buys or sells diamonds. If you've ever browsed through online vendors like Blue Nile or Mondera, you've probably noticed that, for each diamond you select, you can view a certificate with various kinds of information.

Although this information can be confusing for people who don't have a lot of experience buying, it is very important and can tell you a lot of what you need to know about the diamond in question. By learning a bit about certification, you can equip yourself to make the most informed decision possible when making a purchase.

What is diamond certification?

Certification is the result of the process by which diamonds are assessed by gemologists. Although some diamond certificates can offer slightly different information from others, in almost all cases, a diamond certificate will include detailed measurements of the diamond's dimensions, an assessment of the symmetry and quality of polish of the diamond, and an analysis of the diamond's quality resulting in standardized grades in the "four C" categories: cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

For a sample of a diamond certificate check out: GIA Diamond Certificate

The four Cs are perhaps the most important information you'll find on a certificate. These are the attributes that define a loose diamond's value. Simply put, diamonds with high ratings in these categories will command high prices, while diamonds with low grades will be considered less valuable.

Who is involved in diamond certification?

There are several organizations involved in certification. In all likelihood, the names you'll come across most often are the AGS (American Gem Society, sometimes referred to as AGSL or American Gem Society Laboratories) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

These are independent organizations who employ trained gemologists for the specific purpose of performing accurate diamond certification. They are not affiliated with any vendor, so there's no need to worry about the certificate being skewed. If you come across certificates provided by other organizations, it's a good idea to look into the background of the organization in question and ensure that they are independent and impartial.

Why should I care about diamond certification?

When buying loose diamonds, the diamond certificate is the most important document you'll come across. Just as you wouldn't want to buy a diamond without looking at it first, you wouldn't want to make a purchase without going over the certificate. The information displayed on the certificate, in particular the cut, clarity, and color grades as well as the carat weight of the diamond, is directly tied to the diamond's market value.

By learning more about what the individual grades mean and how they're assessed, you can learn to determine for yourself whether the price being quoted by a diamond retailer is really in line with the diamond's value. This, in turn, is what will give you the ability to get the best possible value when purchasing diamonds. Without certification, buyers would essentially be in the dark and completely unable to make informed decisions.

Need to know about Cushion Cut Diamonds

There are a number of common diamond shapes apart from the traditional round brilliant cut, and cushion cut diamonds are one of these. This has been around longer than most shapes, but it's still subject to the same grading criteria as all other shapes. At the same time, the unique features of it mean that there are specific things you'll need to take into consideration when buying one.

What are cushion diamonds?

The cushion has actually been around for nearly three hundred years, making it one of the oldest diamond shapes still in common use. The name "cushion" refers to the rounded, cushion-like shape that these diamonds have. They are also called "pillow cut" diamonds in some circles. Cushion diamonds feature rounded corners and very large facets, which accentuate the natural brilliance and clarity of the diamond.

The cushion is a precursor to the round brilliant cut, which is the most popular diamond shape today. The technology and techniques needed to create a perfectly round cut were not in existence in the 18th century, and the cushion represented the best method for cutting a diamond in order to maximize its brilliance and overall appearance. Cushion are rounded squares or rectangles, with length to width ratios usually falling within the range of 1.0 to 1.3.

It's important to be aware that the "cut" in "cushion" does not have the same meaning as the cut rating that appears on a diamond certificate. The cushion cut is just a particular diamond shape, while the cut rating reflects the actual quality of the cut.

What makes cushion diamonds special?

As one of the oldest diamond shapes, a high-quality cushion cut will have an appropriately "vintage" appearance. In previous decades, the supply of cushion cut diamonds had dwindled to the extent that they were virtually impossible to acquire outside of special auctions and estate sales. However, cushion cuts have recently experienced a resurgence in popularity. They still aren't nearly as common as round brilliants, and probably never will be, but the vintage appeal of the cushion cut has earned it a place in the hearts of diamond enthusiasts.

Cushion are, by nature, not as brilliant as most modern cuts. For this reason, they most likely won't appeal as much to buyers who are looking for diamonds that have that spectacular fire and sparkle. At the same time, high-quality cushion cuts are valued by collectors for their unique attributes, and this is reflected in their prices. People who are looking to buy diamonds for investment purposes should definitely consider cushion cuts for this reason.

What should I look for in cushion diamonds?

There are certain factors that are particularly important with respect to the appearance and value of cushion cut diamonds. The relative lack of brilliance that characterizes cushion cuts means that it's generally recommended to stay away from diamonds that have a cut grade lower than "Good." Anything with a lower cut grade will have a very dull appearance.

The clarity grade may also be worth considering. Some cushion with a clarity rating below VS2 can have a murky appearance. However, in some cases, SI1-2-rated cushion cut diamonds can still look reasonably clear to the naked eye. In these cases, naturally, it's a good idea to have a good look at the diamond as well as the certificate in order to determine whether clarity is an issue or not.