Grading & Appraisal

[diamondjane]

I''m buying a diamond that is GIA graded. Does this process take place at a GIA facility only or can it be done and individual with a GIA certification?

In terms of appraisal process, can a certified appraiser confirm that this GIA Certificate goes with my diamond? Does the appraiser also appraise the ring setting or just the dimaond?

Thanks everyone!

 

[newenglandgemlab]

Hello,

Be very careful here. Be certain how the terminology "GIA graded" is used. This may just mean that a Graduate Gemologist trained by the GIA (whether residence or correspondence-another issue)graded the stone. This could be ok but you may have no way of knowing the experience of the grader. As in any trade, this is so important. Our recommendation is to make sure to have a GIA Report or an AGS Diamond Quality Document. If this isn't available and you still want to make the purchase, do so only if there is a money back policy within a fair time frame so you can have the grading verified by a truly independent and unbiased party. Most labs will offer same day service or report verification and forwarding services if you want to end it, properly insured, off course.

Cindy

 

[justme]

If your cert is from GIA your diamond actually had to go through one of GIA's labs to receive it. Either prior to the seller buying it or the seller himself sending it there to be graded.

Someone who is a GIA graduate can grade and appraise stones but they can't use the 'official' lab report document (see pic).

An appraiser would be able to use the GIA cert to confirm that your stone matches the report. He can give you a valuation of the stone and the setting both. Some can even provide you with a wealth of information about your stone beyond what you see on the GIA report.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

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Does this process take place at a GIA facility only or can it be
done and individual with a GIA certification?
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GIA Diamond Grading Reports are only issued by the GIA Gem Trade Laboratories located in Carlsbad, Ca., and New York City.

GIA grading can be performed by any gemologist (or diamond graduate) who has been trained and degreed by the GIA school. He can issue his own report, backed by the credibility of his own particular operation, which can range from high credibility to none.

The GIA reports are known for their reliability of grading, because of their high quality controls and the fact that 2, possibly 3 gemologist's examine every diamond. The reports are pricey, with a wait time usually of 3 weeks.

GIA gemologists other than the lab gemologists can be just as capable in their grading as the major lab, and are usually quite a bit less expensive. A gemologist appraiser will also be able to assign a value, whereas the GIA labs do not.

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In terms of appraisal process, can a certified appraiser confirm
that this GIA Certificate goes with my diamond?
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Yes.

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Does the appraiser also appraise the ring setting or just the dimaond?
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He can appraise both.