Fluorescence and Tiffany Cert vs. GIA

[Rock Climber]

So we''ve finally gotten it down to two rings we like (both the same style). They''re both at Tiffany''s. Yes, I know I''m overpaying, but after visiting almost a dozen jewelers we did not see another channel setting that was done a nicely as the one we saw here. Only other option is to have something custom made and we''re concerned that it just won''t look the same.

Ring #1: 1.65 carat, D, VS1
Ring #2: 1.71 carat, E, VS1 (This ring has a wider band with bigger channel stones. Tiffany does this to "maintain proportion with the center stone".)

I asked for the certification on the stone and they provided me a Tiffany Gemological Laboratory Report. I asked for the GIA certification as well and they told me that the GIA certs remain in NY until the diamond is sold, at which time the GIA cert is mailed to the owner. I''ve asked that they fax me a copy, which I''m hoping to receive on Monday.

All of this has raised the following questions:

1. Tiffany claims that their certification is more stringent than the GIA evaluation. Does anyone have any experience that this is the case?

2. Where can I find a table with the GIA "Ideal" parameters? I''ve found one online for AGS, but not for GIA.

3. The Tiffany cert. on Ring #2 said the Symmetry is "Very Good", the Polish is "Very Good", and Precision of Cut is "Excellent". Would you expect that the GIA cert would show "Excellent" across the board, assuming the Tiffany cert. is more strict? What does it mean if these characteristics are only "Very Good" vs "Excellent". Ring #1 was "Excellent" across the board.

4. Fluorescence. Ring #1 said "Faint" on the Tiffany cert. Ring #2 said "Medium Blue" on the Tiffany cert. Again, would you expect the GIA cert to say something different? What does it mean to have "Medium Blue" fluorescence on an E color ring and am I worrying about nothing?

Appreciate the feedback. We'' almost there!

 

[codex57]

I dunno if Tiffany''s cert would be more strict than the GIA. I haven''t seen anything in all my research that suggests Tiffany''s has all that stringent standards over everyone else. In fact, their constant use of scare tactics falls more in line with the shady jewelers. I like their quality of the settings, but it''s nothing that couldn''t be matched. As for diamonds itself, I really can''t see how Tiffany''s would have a more stringent grading system than GIA considering the cut of their diamonds isn''t close to being the best in the industry.

 

[denverappraiser]

Date: 3/13/2005 2:37:32 PM
Author:Rock Climber

1. Tiffany claims that their certification is more stringent than the GIA evaluation. Does anyone have any experience that this is the case?

2. Where can I find a table with the GIA ''Ideal'' parameters? I''ve found one online for AGS, but not for GIA.

3. The Tiffany cert. on Ring #2 said the Symmetry is ''Very Good'', the Polish is ''Very Good'', and Precision of Cut is ''Excellent''. Would you expect that the GIA cert would show ''Excellent'' across the board, assuming the Tiffany cert. is more strict? What does it mean if these characteristics are only ''Very Good'' vs ''Excellent''. Ring #1 was ''Excellent'' across the board.

4. Fluorescence. Ring #1 said ''Faint'' on the Tiffany cert. Ring #2 said ''Medium Blue'' on the Tiffany cert. Again, would you expect the GIA cert to say something different? What does it mean to have ''Medium Blue'' fluorescence on an E color ring and am I worrying about nothing?

Appreciate the feedback. We'' almost there!

Rock,

1. Tiffany claims that their certification is more stringent than the GIA evaluation. Does anyone have any experience that this is the case?
Tiffany lab has a good reputation for consistency and they use the same scale as GIA does, at least for clarity and color. Stringent isn''t really the correct word but they rarely get accused of overgrading stones. They are a fine lab. I wouldn''t worry about them and, if they promised you a GIA report, I think you can be confident that it will both arrive and be as described. As I understand it, they only give the GIA report if you ask so make sure they understand that you want it.

2. Where can I find a table with the GIA ''Ideal'' parameters? I''ve found one online for AGS, but not for GIA.
GIA doesn''t use a cut grading system in the same way that AGS does. There are no ''ideal parameters''.

3. The Tiffany cert. on Ring #2 said the Symmetry is ''Very Good'', the Polish is ''Very Good'', and Precision of Cut is ''Excellent''. Would you expect that the GIA cert would show ''Excellent'' across the board, assuming the Tiffany cert. is more strict? What does it mean if these characteristics are only ''Very Good'' vs ''Excellent''. Ring #1 was ''Excellent'' across the board.
The scale is Poor-Good-Very Good-Excellent. I would not make assumptions about how one lab would grade a stone based on the report of another lab. Look at the GIA report and see. GIA does not have a category for Precision of Cut.

4. Fluorescence. Ring #1 said ''Faint'' on the Tiffany cert. Ring #2 said ''Medium Blue'' on the Tiffany cert. Again, would you expect the GIA cert to say something different? What does it mean to have ''Medium Blue'' fluorescence on an E color ring and am I worrying about nothing?

Most people don''t object to either faint or medium fluorescence although there has been quite a bit of discussion on the forum about it. Use the search box near the top right corner of this page to search for ''fluor'' and you can see what people have had to say on this topic.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[MissAva]

This is not the first time i have heard that question a male friend asked me to look at my mothers for just the same reason. On hers at least there was no fluorescence so that wasn’t an issue. However everything else matched up exactly. I had thought perhaps tiffany just put it in a pretty folder for names sake.

 

[MrsFrk]

I have a diamond with fluorescence, it is G colored. Can''t tell it has it in most light, in sunlight it seems to emit a gorgeous inner blue light, under a blacklight it glows. I personally think it is a totally fine, if not mildly desirable.

 

[moolman]

I think you''re going about buying a Tiffany ring all wrong, the point of paying extra for a Tiffany ring besides the specific setting you want, is the peace of mind that you are probably getting an excellent diamond. Tiffany will not sell you something crappy. No matter which one you pick, both regardless of the GIA cert will be excellent diamonds. Go with your budget or whatever setting looks good.