Certifying diamonds less than 1/2 carat

[Tex]

Hi again everyone.

I was told by a local jewelry store that they generally do not have certification for diamonds that are less than a 1/2 carat. We''re looking at one that''s 1/3 carat. They said the cost to send out the smaller diamonds to the independent lab for certification would drive up the price of the diamond.

Does this sound right? We are new to buying diamond rings and just want to make sure we''re not getting bad information.

Thanks so much!

A newbie

 

[DiamondExpert]

This is generally correct...however, the Ideal, Super-Ideal cut rounds (especially the branded ones) will often have GIA or AGS certs down to 1/3 or even 1/4 ct.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Agree with Gary. We also have diamonds in ES down to those sizes: If it deserves a pedigree we''ll often secure one.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Two of my diamonds (both ideal cut) are under 1/2 carat and are certified. For me, for an eng./wedding set, I'd only purchase a certified diamond regardless of size because I'd want to be sure the quality is as good as promised. I could care less what a local jeweler recommends. . .it's about comfort level. Knowing that you're getting what you're paying for!

Most online sites offer EXCELLENT prices on certified smaller stones so I doubt that you'd be paying more for an online GIA certified stone than a local uncertified one. And, in fact, I'm betting you'll pay less!

 

[Tex]

Thanks so much for your insight! They did say they could send the diamond out to the lab for the certification, but that it could take up to three weeks. Meanwhile, their return policy is only 30 days!
Also, this may be a stupid question, but what about the little accent diamonds in a channel setting? Should you be getting certification or appraisal or whatever for each and every one of those too? So much to learn...

 

[Nicrez]

Accent diamonds do not need certification, as they will be quite small. They do not normally need to have a plot accompanying them, as they are usually too small to notice where the inclusions are. Most people would not rather spend extra money and time on stones that generally don't get noticed as much and don't require such strict standards of grading.

Your center stone (under 1/2 carat) would be best if certified for many reasons, especially to get a plot of where your inclusions are, so you can identify your stone, in case it ever changes setting in the future. Plus a certificate will give you the color, clarity and cut details to identify your stone, as well as establish it's characteristics for value in sale. It's a way of ensuring you are getting what you pay for.

If a person can not get a stone certified for you, or wait until you get it at least appraised before their policy of returning expires, they are frankly not worth the business. I suggest that you get the stone's information from the seller, then have it appraised, and wait for the certification if you REALLY like it.

If not, look around for stones in your size that HAVE certificates already. If possible find labs such as IGI, EGL, AGS and GIA. There are others, but the last two are the most reputable, but may not grade stones in the size range. IGI and EGL will, but they are a bit more generous with their grades, then the stone may appear to others, so beware!

Good luck and enjoy your search!!