Independent Jewelers Organization Certificate

[diamondnewbieky]

Does anyone have any information on this organization? http://www.ijo.com/content.asp?pl=1&contentid=32

We have been been looking at engagement rings and found a cushion cut we really liked which was rated IF, H, 1.51 (negotiated down to $9,000 from $9,999) by the local jeweler (no GIA, AGA, EGL) but it comes accompanied with an Independent Jewelers Organization certificate. The store does offer 100% return policy if unworn, 60 day exchange policy, and 110% lifetime upgrade policy. If the diamond gets independently appraised for around the same price, should we worry that there is no lab certificate? The jeweler said we could also send the diamond to GIA for the lab certification but we would have to cover the cost.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[bcavitt]

IJO is not a grading laboratory, it is a buying group whose primary function is to give access to a multitude of vendors that a small independent jewelry store couldn't purchase enough on their own to have the vendor do business with them. I have no idea what is on an IJO certificate, but I'm confident that it is not their grading of a diamond or any other stone.

 

[diamondnewbieky]

Thanks for the information. I actually emailed IJO and I took there response basically as IJO vouches for those jewelers...

"This distinguished title is awarded only to members of Independent Jewelers Organization successfully meeting the exacting requirements of the Gemological Institute of America, earning recognition as an accomplished diamond grader by holding either the GIA Diamond Grading and Evaluation Certificate or having received the GIA Graduate Diamond Diploma.

Displaying this exclusive title instills the Master IJO Jeweler values of providing expertise, knowledge, and trust, enabling consumers to make an informed and confident jewelry purchase.

The IJO Certified Diamond Grader title is not, and does take the place of, a Lab Certification"

 

[heididdl]

Thanks for the information. I actually emailed IJO and I took there response basically as IJO vouches for those jewelers...

"This distinguished title is awarded only to members of Independent Jewelers Organization successfully meeting the exacting requirements of the Gemological Institute of America, earning recognition as an accomplished diamond grader by holding either the GIA Diamond Grading and Evaluation Certificate or having received the GIA Graduate Diamond Diploma.

Displaying this exclusive title instills the Master IJO Jeweler values of providing expertise, knowledge, and trust, enabling consumers to make an informed and confident jewelry purchase.

The IJO Certified Diamond Grader title is not, and does take the place of, a Lab Certification"

Every jewelry store et al has someone whoa went to GIA school has nothing to do with the stones being GIA certified.