Diamond Expertise

GIA Diamonds

GIA diamonds are graded by the nonprofit grading lab, Gemmological Institute of America. Globally regarded the most sought after diamonds, discover whether GIA diamonds actually cost more than others, why they're so well regarded, and why we choose to supply natural diamonds graded by the GIA.

What is a GIA graded diamond?

There are a number of diamond grading laboratories across the world, but none as renowned as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Thanks to their exceptionally strict grading rules, GIA certified diamonds ensure the best quality diamond for what you’re paying, with each individual characteristic and flaw mapped and recorded with the utmost attention to detail. Every GIA diamond is graded twice, by separate graders, to ensure the accuracy of the stone’s cut, clarity, colour and carat grades. A GIA certified diamond is inscribed with a tiny, unique code, visible under magnification - this corresponds to and verifies its accompanying certificate which outlines the diamond’s quality and characteristics.

What is the GIA?

The GIA is short for the Gemmological Institute of America, a diamond certification laboratory with the best grading credentials, worldwide.

“GIA is a public benefit, non-profit organisation that conducts research and offers education and laboratory services to help protect the public by providing unbiased information about gems and jewellery.” - GIA

As a nonprofit and highly regarded organisation, the GIA will never over generously grade a diamond to up its price - which you may experience from jewellers who grade their diamonds in-house or from less renowned grading laboratories.

The GIA are the most trusted and impartial diamond graders worldwide. Invest in quality you can rely on by choosing a GIA diamond.

Jenita | Gemmologist & Design Expert
 

What is a GIA diamond report?

Every GIA certified diamond comes with a detailed report, written and approved by the GIA. The report will have a unique code relating to your specific diamond, and this code will be inscribed onto the diamond girdle (only visible under magnification). Your GIA diamond report will cover your diamond’s grades in relation to the 4Cs, and even greater detail like the measurements of your stone and clarity characteristics, or inclusion type.

“A GIA report contains a full scientific and unbiased assessment of your diamond's 4Cs. GIA tests every diamond submitted to establish its authenticity as a diamond and whether it's been subjected to treatments.” - GIA

GIA diamond codes

Every GIA diamond is laser inscribed with its unique code to identify the stone, only visible under intense magnification. This is another precaution to ensure the diamond you’re paying for is the diamond that ends up in your ring, and matches the accompanying GIA certificate. The GIA laser inscription is so minute that it is invisible to the naked eye, seen only under 50x magnification, and is discreetly located on the girdle of the stone. In most instances, we’ll make sure this GIA number is in an accessible place when crafting your ring (although this is dependant on the design of the ring) to ensure you can always check the code - and we advise you confirm your GIA number under microscope when collecting your ring for the first time or following maintenance work, for your own peace of mind.

When you visit Queensmith, we’ll show you your diamond’s unique GIA code, so you can ensure this matches the corresponding certificate, and that the diamond you leave with is the diamond you paid for.

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Do GIA diamonds cost more than other diamonds?

GIA diamonds do not cost more, but as they are so strictly graded, it can seem that way. The reality is, you’re much more likely to get the quality you pay for with a GIA diamond. Compare a GIA certified 1ct D VS2 Triple Excellent diamond with a diamond graded exactly the same elsewhere - the non-GIA diamond may (or may not) cost less, but it may also not live up to it’s grades on paper. In other words, it may be over-generously graded to increase profit on the stone. The GIA are objective and highly accurate with their grading, and as a nonprofit organisation, do not benefit from over-generously grading diamonds like other graders or jewellers that grade in-house might. Simply put, GIA diamonds do not cost more than other diamonds when compared on a like-for-like basis.

Where can you buy GIA diamonds?

Reputable jewellers will supply GIA diamonds. At Queensmith, our natural diamonds are always GIA certified, and we never grade diamonds in-house. This is to ensure your peace of mind that the diamond you receive is the diamond you pay for, and it is guaranteed to live up to its grades on paper. If you’re looking for a lab diamond, we recommend IGI graded diamonds, as they currently provide greater detail in their reporting than the GIA currently supply for lab diamonds.

Should I only buy a GIA certified diamond?

When it comes to choosing a natural diamond, we always advise choosing only from GIA certified diamonds. The GIA provides detailed reports and highly accurate grades to certify diamonds’ qualities and characteristics, in turn ensuring you get the absolute best diamond for your money. For lab diamonds, we advise considering IGI certified diamonds. The GIA does not grade lab diamonds in the same detail as natural diamonds, whilst the IGI provides much greater accuracy when grading lab diamonds.

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That’s why we have diamond and design experts on hand, who are here to guide you through every step - from understanding what carat, color, cut and clarity mean, to designing the perfect ring.

Need help choosing the perfect ring?

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