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Are you in the market for a natural diamond certified by the European Gemological Laboratories (EGL)? Look no further than PriceScope, your trusted destination for exquisite diamond selections. In this informative guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about EGL Diamond Certification, shedding light on its significance and how PriceScope can assist you in finding the perfect EGL-certified diamond to suit your desires. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the authenticity and allure of EGL-certified diamonds with PriceScope as your trusted companion.
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When shopping for diamonds, one of the crucial factors to consider is certification. While renowned organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are trusted for their diamond grading, other institutions such as the European Gemological Laboratories (EGL) also provide diamond certifications. In this article, we’ll explore EGL diamond certifications, their characteristics, and whether they offer authenticity assurance. We’ll also refer to well-known vendors like WhiteFlash, James Allen, and Blue Nile.
EGL An Overview
The European Gemological Laboratories, popularly known as EGL, is a renowned institution in the realm of gemology. Established in 1974, EGL has carved a niche for itself in the gem and jewelry industry by providing independent gemstone certification and education.
Global Presence
Though its name suggests a European-centric operation, EGL’s presence is truly global. With laboratories and certification centers spanning continents, it has made its mark in regions including:
- Europe
- India
- South Africa
- Israel (under EGL Platinum)
- The USA
This vast network ensures that EGL’s services and standards are accessible to a wide range of clientele across the globe.
Services Offered
Gemstone Certification:
One of the primary functions of EGL is to provide certification for gemstones. This certification process includes a detailed analysis of a gemstone’s characteristics, such as its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The outcome of this analysis is a certificate that stands as a testament to the gemstone’s authenticity and quality.
Education & Training:
Apart from certification, EGL is also committed to the education of gem enthusiasts and professionals. Through various programs, courses, and workshops, EGL imparts knowledge about gemstones, their identification, valuation, and more.
Research:
In a constantly evolving industry, research is paramount. EGL dedicates resources to understand new gemstone treatments, identification techniques, and other industry-related developments.
Reputation and Credibility:
While EGL has a significant global reputation, it’s essential to note that the standard and consistency of grading can vary between individual EGL labs. Some labs, especially those in certain locations, have faced criticism in the past for being less stringent in their grading compared to other major labs. However, many in the industry respect and recognize EGL’s contributions to gemology.
Key Differentiators:
One of the unique features of EGL is its recognition of the ‘SI3’ clarity grade for diamonds, which is not universally acknowledged by all gemological labs. This grade is meant to bridge the gap between SI2 and I1 grades.
The European Gemological Laboratories plays a crucial role in the global gem and jewelry industry. With its widespread network, variety of services, and commitment to education and research, EGL remains an influential figure in gemology. However, like all institutions, it’s essential to understand and evaluate the nuances of its operation and the variations in grading standards across its different labs.
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EGL vs. GIA Reports
One of the primary concerns with EGL certifications is the lack of a centralized governing body, which can lead to inconsistent grading standards across different EGL labs and countries. In contrast, GIA operates as a single business entity with consistent grading standards and procedures globally. This consistency in grading is a significant advantage of GIA certificates.
EGL USA Sample Report
EGL India Sample Report
EGL South Africa Sample Report
EGL International Platinum Diamond Grading Report (Israel)
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EGL Color Grading
EGL has been criticized for overestimating diamond color grades. For instance, an EGL lab might grade a diamond as a D color, while the GIA would assign it an F color rating. The GIA’s color grading scale is well-established and widely accepted in the industry, making it a benchmark for accuracy.
EGL Cut Grading
Similar to color grading, EGL’s cut grades can often misrepresent the actual quality of a diamond. An EGL Ideal Cut diamond might be considered only a Good Cut by the AGS or GIA. This discrepancy can lead consumers to believe they are getting a high-quality diamond for a lower price, but in reality, they may be purchasing a lower-quality stone.
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Other Issues with EGL Reports
EGL Europe’s practice of offering preliminary reports to diamond dealers, with the option to avoid payment if they disagree with the grades, has raised concerns about the reliability of EGL certificates. This practice may incentivize EGL to provide more favorable grades to generate revenue.
EGL Certification and Diamond Price
Due to the inconsistencies in EGL grading, GEL-certified diamonds may appear to be priced lower than those with GIA or AGS certifications. However, it’s essential to understand that these diamonds are not directly comparable, as EGL often overstates cut and color grades. When comparing diamonds, ensure they have been graded by the same organization for a fair evaluation.
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Vendor Reference
Reputable diamond vendors like WhiteFlash, James Allen, and Blue Nile prioritize transparency and the quality of their products. They understand the importance of trustworthy certifications when purchasing a diamond. As mentioned earlier, GIA and AGS certifications are preferred for their consistent and accurate grading standards.
Final Thoughts
When considering the purchase of a diamond, it’s crucial to choose a certification that offers authenticity assurance and accuracy. While EGL certifications may seem enticing due to potentially lower prices, the discrepancies in grading make them a less reliable choice. To ensure the quality and value of your diamond, it is advisable to opt for diamonds certified by trusted organizations like GIA, AGS or IGI for lab diamonds. Reputable vendors like WhiteFlash, James Allen, and Blue Nile typically offer diamonds with these certifications, providing customers with peace of mind in their purchase. Remember, when it comes to diamonds, quality and authenticity are paramount.
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