For many, diamonds hold a special place in the heart. They represent a lifetime commitment, a cherished family heirloom, or a significant investment.
But for uninitiated buyers, navigating this world can feel like venturing into a glittering labyrinth. Terms like “cut,” “clarity,” and “carat” swirl around, while price tags can leave you wondering, Am I getting what I paid for?
Fortunately, this question can be answered with the help of two tools: the diamond certification and the jewellery appraisal.
“Many clients are either unaware of certification or do not know the differences between different issuing organisations,” says diamond expert, Jonathan Goldberg, founder and CEO of Toronto-based jeweller Kimberfire.
A certification is like the diamond’s ID or fingerprint. It evaluates the stone’s characteristics — based on the “4 Cs” (cut, clarity, colour, and carat) — providing a scientific, unbiased report on its value and beauty.
However, as Goldberg illustrates, a certification is only as reliable as the lab that issues it: “A lot of clients come in having seen diamonds for some pretty unbelievable prices graded by laboratories with very poor reputations, thinking that the stone they were quoted on is a colour or clarity that it surely isn’t.”
“For our natural diamonds, we only work with the GIA,” he continues, referring to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). That’s because world-renowned labs like the GIA use skilled gemologists, advanced equipment, and rigorous procedures and standards for reliable certifications, ensuring stones match sellers’ descriptions.
That said, it’s worth bearing in mind that a diamond’s value isn’t static. Market trends can shift, and the stone’s unique qualities influence its worth.
This is where a jewellery appraisal comes in.
A qualified gemologist will consider the grading report alongside current market trends, diamond origin (if known), and any treatments the stone may have undergone (such as laser drilling for clarity enhancement).
Based on this, they’ll estimate the diamond’s replacement value, which is crucial for insurance purposes, but also for negotiating a fair price when selling or trading the stone or the jewellery it is incorporated into.
Still, according to Goldberg, most buyers don’t know how important appraisals are. Or they think it is acceptable for the jeweller themself to issue the document, which could mean a biassed result.
“We believe our clients should always get third-party certificates and appraisals,” he explains. “Before purchase, this ensures that they compare apples to apples when making a decision. Post-purchase, it ensures that we always provide the client with what we promised and equip them with independent verification of everything they purchased in case needed for replacement or resale.”
Yet, Goldberg also emphasises that, before getting down to the technical aspects, one should consider what they are looking for in the diamond they want to give or receive.
“Is a certain shape a necessity? Do you have a particular affinity for a diamond formed naturally in the earth, or for the technological marvel of a lab-grown diamond?” he elaborates. “Once you have an idea of the stone you envision, then it is time to use the 4 Cs to help narrow down your choices and ensure you purchase a diamond of high quality and good value.”
Fortunately for buyers, technological advances make enhanced certification and appraisal processes more feasible and cost-effective. “Within the next few years, we will know when and where every diamond we purchase was either mined or grown — down to the day of the month and the mine or growing facility,” says Goldberg.
Access to additional certification and appraisal information means more knowledge about the origin and history of a stone.
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But given all that’s happening in the world — from global conflicts to environmental concerns — it also means the opportunity for more informed and sustainable decisions.
Decisions diamond buyers can feel good about.
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