German diamond certificate

[ortsacilop]

Has anyone heard of a German Diamond Certificate called DEL of Idar Oberstein? Do their certificates have a good reputation? How do they compare to G.I.A.? Thank you.

Ortsacilop

 

[mdx]

Did you perhaps mean DPL. If so they are an excellent Lab.They grade to IDC rules like HRD. No problems with their grading.Report looks like this.

Johan

 

[starfire]

Hi,

We have worked with DPL for over 2 years now with Gabrielle Diamonds, and they are an excellent lab.

They work with IDC rules, and are the German equivalent of HRD.

There is also a clause on the certificate from DPL, stating that they "take full responsibility for correct grading." In our experience, some clients of ours find that quite re-assuring, because not every lab makes such statements.

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier

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On 6/17/2004 1:06:10 AM ortsacilop wrote:

Has anyone heard of a German Diamond Certificate called DEL of Idar Oberstein? Do their certificates have a good reputation? How do they compare to G.I.A.? Thank you.

Ortsacilop ----------------

 

[CaptAubrey]

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On 6/22/2004 12:05:34 PM starfire wrote:





There is also a clause on the certificate from DPL, stating that they 'take full responsibility for correct grading.' In our experience, some clients of ours find that quite re-assuring, because not every lab makes such statements.

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yes, but what does that mean? will they replace the diamond? reimburse the buyer for the lost value should it get a lower grade somewhere else? return the grading fee? or just assert that they stand behind the original grade? if the latter, that's not much of a guarantee to me.

 

[starfire]

Well CaptAubrey,

At the least, it seems to me that DPL is allowing itself to be held liable if their grading is incorrect. That clause allows one to seek legal remedy, should their grading be proved incorrect.

The way I see it, it is more assuring for the consumer with the clause in the certificate than without.

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier

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On 6/22/2004 1:03:51 PM CaptAubrey wrote:

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On 6/22/2004 12:05:34 PM starfire wrote:



There is also a clause on the certificate from DPL, stating that they 'take full responsibility for correct grading.' In our experience, some clients of ours find that quite re-assuring, because not every lab makes such statements.

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yes, but what does that mean? will they replace the diamond? reimburse the buyer for the lost value should it get a lower grade somewhere else? return the grading fee? or just assert that they stand behind the original grade? if the latter, that's not much of a guarantee to me.
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[dpe49]

I agree with CaptAubrey, without specifics the statement is nothing more than stating that one takes full responsibility of their own opinion.

 

[starfire]

Hi dpe49,

I do not work for DPL, and I am only offering my opinion as I see it. And since I have never had any problems with their grading in over 2 years, I have no reason to challenge their claim.

Perhaps you and CaptAubrey could bring this question to DPL, if you are so sceptical about their claim. I will be interested to know more as well...

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier

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On 6/23/2004 2:48:13 PM dpe49 wrote:

I agree with CaptAubrey, without specifics the statement is nothing more than stating that one takes full responsibility of their own opinion.

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[oldminer]

In spite of wording to the contrary found on most lab reports, every lab is responsible for errors and negligence in performing services for a fee. Words do not relieve a lab or its owners of responsiblity should there be a problem whether it is from carelessness, a mistake, or ignorance. That's why the fees are charged and paid (For meaningful and correct service.)

On the other hand, no lab can totally meet "standards" which are subjective rather than objective. Color and clarity grades are somewhat subjective, so a grade on either side of what another place says is "correct" is not a "mistake" or "negligence". It is within the scope of normal error.

AGA has long guaranteed our grading of color and clarity. We have never had an instance of needing to resort to compensating anyone for an "error" although we don't always get grades identical to every other lab. Who sits in judgment of which lab or grader is 100% correct? No one.

Admitting responsibility makes good business sense and I commend their honesty. Simply saying you are not responsible for your work is pretty dumb sounding although a lawyer would approve of not sticking out your neck too far.

 

[pqcollectibles]

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On 6/23/2004 2:53:30 PM starfire wrote:

Hi dpe49,

I do not work for DPL, and I am only offering my opinion as I see it. And since I have never had any problems with their grading in over 2 years, I have no reason to challenge their claim.

Perhaps you and CaptAubrey could bring this question to DPL, if you are so sceptical about their claim. I will be interested to know more as well...

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Charlotte Atelier

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On 6/23/2004 2:48:13 PM dpe49 wrote:

I agree with CaptAubrey, without specifics the statement is nothing more than stating that one takes full responsibility of their own opinion.

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Your location explains a lot. You are in Singapore, while Capt Aubrey, I would presume, is located in the United States. In the US, by law, grading can vary by 2 grades on color and/or clarity. DPL could "guarantee" a diamond is G, VS2 and the grading is legally accurate even if the diamond is actually I, SI2. No liability to the seller but lots of price difference for the buyer.

 

[oldminer]

Are you saying that if GIA grades a diamond H and a lab somewhere in Europe or Asia grades it G or I, that they could be held liable for a legal error? What foreign enitity holds the GIA, HRD or any other major lab in such high regard that their grade is the last word on the subject?

 

[starfire]

Hi pq,

I am not sure I get your meaning about your point about location. G-vs2 is 4 "grades" higher than I-si2, there is not comparison whatsoever.

Even in Singapore, there is a certain leeway in grading, so long as grading on colour or clarity does not vary by more than a grade up or down. For example, a G-vs2 could be acceptably graded H-vs1...

Grading is by itself subjective, as oldminer has said.

I think it is admirable for DPL to admit responsibility, rather than to put a disclaimer on their certificate.

Best regards,
Stephen Tan
Singapore

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On 6/23/2004 3:08:44 PM pqcollectibles wrote:

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Your location explains a lot. You are in Singapore, while Capt Aubrey, I would presume, is located in the United States. In the US, by law, grading can vary by 2 grades on color and/or clarity. DPL could 'guarantee' a diamond is G, VS2 and the grading is legally accurate even if the diamond is actually I, SI2. No liability to the seller but lots of price difference for the buyer.

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