GIA Diamonds Guide

Discover the Details of GIA Certified Lab Diamonds with Philippe Harold

Are you looking for an enduring symbol of love, appreciation and commitment? Or perhaps something that captures your unique personality or reflects the values you live by? If so, GIA (Gemological Institute of America) graded diamonds offer a wide range of stunningly beautiful options that are sure to delight and impress! At their core, GIA graded diamonds represent quality assurance – they have been thoroughly assessed according to standards of cut, color, clarity and carat weight and they also come with an impartial report certifying their origins. Learn about what goes into a GIA diamond grading and how it can help you make an informed purchase. With this knowledge in hand, you can rest assured knowing you are invested your money in something worthwhile - all backed by assurance from the globally respected GIA.

How GIA Decides a Diamond's Quality

When it comes to buying your dream diamond, it is important to know what you are looking for and how to obtain it in real life! GIA is the world's leading authority on diamonds and has established the industry standard for evaluating diamond quality. As previously mentioned the four most important factors that determine a GIA diamond's quality are known as the Four Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. 

Cut refers to how well the diamond reflects light and sparkles; it is  probably the most important factor in determining a diamond's beauty. 

Colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow or brown), the less colour a diamond has, the higher its value. 

Clarity measures the number of inclusions or blemishes within the stone, diamonds with fewer flaws are more valuable. 

Finally, carat weight refers to the size of the diamond, larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable than smaller ones. By understanding these factors and purchasing a GIA-certified diamond, you can be confident that you're getting a high-quality stone that will retain its value all the time that you (both) love and cherish it.

A Touch of G(IA)enius 

Before  GIA came up with their Diamond Grading System™, there were countless ways to describe diamonds! But then GIA changed the game by creating a common language for diamonds. As we explained above they called it the 4Cs and it is now used all over the world.

They also established the best practices for grading diamonds and started issuing GIA Diamond Grading Reports. These reports are very detailed and contain all kinds of  important information about your diamond - like its shape, proportions, and finish. And the 4 Cs of course. Plus they can even tell you exactly where your diamond came from. 

If you want something more digital-friendly than a report on paper, GIA can accommodate you happily and easily with their Diamond Dossier or Diamond e-Report. 

Additionally, they can even laser-inscribe a message or symbol onto your diamond for added security! 

GIA’s Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds

You might have heard of and be wondering about the differences between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds. The key difference is their origins and price. Natural diamonds are formed over millions of years deep within the earth, while lab grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks using advanced technology. Since they are not as rare as natural diamonds, lab grown stones can be significantly less expensive, making it possible to find stunning stones in larger sizes that might otherwise be outside your budget.

But don't let the lower price fool you - lab grown diamonds are virtually indistinguishable from natural diamonds to the naked eye. They have the same atomic composition and structure, so they sparkle just as beautifully as their natural counterparts. And with GIA's certification process, you can be sure that your lab grown diamond has been evaluated using the same rigorous standards as any other diamond. Whether you choose a natural or lab grown diamond, you can feel confident that you are getting a high-quality stone that will last a lifetime or a few.

So if you want to make sure you are buying a high-quality diamond that has been evaluated using the most accurate and reliable methods available – speak to us at Philippe Harold about our GIA certified diamonds!