diamond grading

A diamond grading report is a document outlining the characteristics of a diamond that will determine its value.

New Zealand is fortunate to have a number of very capable diamond grading laboratories that can provide an independent diamond grading report. Diamond grading reports should be carried out by independent diamond grading laboratories with highly trained staff with all the necessary gemological equipment. A diamond grading report is a very valuable document that will help identify your diamond in case a loss or damage.

• Diamond grading reports are not valuations.
• Reports should not be called "Diamond Certificates" as diamond grading laboratories do not "certify" diamonds.
• Be aware that some diamond grading reports are created "in-house" by a seller in the supply chain. The purchase of a diamond normally involves large sums of money and you have the right to demand an independent diamond report.

diamonds.co.nz is very selective when purchasing diamonds with international grading reports. We ensure selection of what we consider "correct" grading reports. There are differing opinions between laboratories on clarity and colour grading. Diamond grading is not a clear-cut science and we have to be very careful as a difference of one clarity or colour grade can be a considerable amount of money. Buying sight unseen is very dangerous – as the saying goes "big stones, big mistakes". At the end of the day you are buying a diamond not a piece of paper, so we emphasise that you must view the diamond you are considering purchasing.

A number of laboratories now incorporate laser inscription services with their reports. This involves a laser inscription confined to the girdle of the diamond and can include the diamond report number, message or company logo. Even though these numbers can be faceted out of the girdle they still provide a high level of security in case of loss or theft.

The diamonds.co.nz database contains diamonds graded by the following laboratories. Please click on the names for more information.

		Gemological Institute of America - United States of America
		American Gem Society - AGS Laboratory
		Gem Certification and Assurance Lab - GCAL
		HRD - (Hoge Raad voor Diamant) The Diamond High Council - Antwerp, Belgium
		IGI - International Gemological Institute - Antwerp, Belgium
		GemLab - Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, New Zealand

The following gemological labaroratories also issue independent diamond grading reports for the New Zealand market.

• Advanced Gem Laboratory Ltd. - Queen Street, Auckland CBD, New Zealand.

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