PLEASE Help - GIA report Has Argyle inscription # but no inscription on diamond!

[pink diamond lover]

I bought, what i was told, was a GIA certified Argyle pink diamond that has the Argyle # on the GIA certificate but not on the stone.

When i first purchased the stone about 10 years ago, I took it to an Reputable Jeweler and had an appraisal done, along with mounting the stone on a ring. When i went to pick up the ring and the Appraisal I noticed that beside the Laser Inscribed: it read "Unable to locate inscription after mounting." This greatly concerned me and I wanted them to unmount it to verify the inscription, as this should have been verified before they mounted it. I bought the diamond from a company in Israel so it was very important to me to make sure that i received what i paid for. The manager of this Big, Independent Store explained to me that the GIA certificate and their Appraisal matched. That meant it had to be the diamond i paid for because Pink diamonds are so rare, that it would be impossible for it to be any other stone and convinced me that it didn't matter that the inscription couldn't be seen....it had to be there. I trusted her advise and the person who sold me the diamond so i left it at that as i didn't want to risk any damage to the diamond by having it unmounted and then remounted to verify something that had to be.

Now, it is 10 years later. I decided i wanted to sell the diamond and found a buyer in Australia. They would buy the ring upon their jeweler verifying the Argyle number inscribed on the diamond as I wasn't given an Argyle Certificate. All i had was was the GIA certificate with the Argyle # on it. They agreed that if i sent them the ring, they would unmount the diamond, verify the inscription and then send the ring back to me and put the money into my bank account. Simple enough.

I decided, since the appraisal should have verified the inscription when i had it appraised i thought it would be best if i took it back to them and have them remove and verify it. Then i would only have to send them the diamond and i would have peace of mind that the inscription was verified before i spent 2,000 to have it insured and sent to Buyer in Australia. To my horror, they could not find an inscription # lasered on the diamond. They had 3 different experts examine the diamond. They concluded, without removing the diamond from the setting, that it would be impossible for all the numbers to be hidden by 4 little claws. They again assured me that the diamond they examined from me and the one on the GIA report had to be the same as the mapping all matched. When I looked up the Argyle # on the GIA report, the Argyle report also matches the GIA Certificate and visual inspection. They told me that they have had diamonds shipped to their store that were supposed to be inscribed that weren't so they said it does happen and should be an easy fix. They just returned the diamond to the seller and the seller had GIA inscribe the # onto the diamond and shipped it back to the buyer.

I sent a letter to my buyer in Australia, who specializes in Argyle Pink Diamonds, and explained what happened. They explained that the inscription was not made by GIA, is was inscribed by the Argyle mine which has been closed since November 2020. With no Original Argyle mine certificate or lazer inscription on the diamond they would not buy it. They could not understand why there was no inscription on the diamond when it was on the GIA certificate.

I am so confused and i don't know what to do next. On one hand i am being told that even though the inscription is not on the diamond for whatever reason (human error?) the GIA certificate, duplicate copy of Argyle certificate and visual expert option by GIA certified gemologist that the mapping all match should be enough. Buyer however, says that without the inscription on the diamond to match the # on the GIA certificate it can't be validated.

Expert Argyle pink diamond experts, PLEASE, help me understand how this can all be. I feel it would have been impossible for the person who sold it to me, to not have known that their was no inscription on the diamond. Why does everything match but their is no inscription? Why isn't the information that i have enough to validate my diamond as an authentic Argyle pink diamond without the inscription? Does this mean that i have been defrauded out of 10's of thousands of $$? Does any have any solutions to this problem or idea's how it can be rectified?

I am suffer from chronic depression and anxiety and I just can't figure this all out!! I am completely overwhelmed. I took all my money out of my RRSP's 10 years ago to invest in this diamond for my retirement. Everyone thought i was crazy when i bought it and I was so close to showing that it was smart investment after all..... and now it has all fallen apart. It is all I have. There just has to be a solution somewhere.

 

[VividRed]

Uff, all I can say is: take a deep breath, one step at a time.

Can you bring the diamond to GIA for a check or a second report incl. inscription?

 

[pink diamond lover]

No I can't. The Inscription was put on my the Argyle diamond mine to validate that it is an Argyle diamond. The mine has shut down and all you can get is duplicates. Without the inscription on the ring i am being told it can't be validated!

 

[Ceilimom]

I bought, what i was told, was a GIA certified Argyle pink diamond that has the Argyle # on the GIA certificate but not on the stone.

When i first purchased the stone about 10 years ago, I took it to an Reputable Jeweler and had an appraisal done, along with mounting the stone on a ring. When i went to pick up the ring and the Appraisal I noticed that beside the Laser Inscribed: it read "Unable to locate inscription after mounting." This greatly concerned me and I wanted them to unmount it to verify the inscription, as this should have been verified before they mounted it. I bought the diamond from a company in Israel so it was very important to me to make sure that i received what i paid for. The manager of this Big, Independent Store explained to me that the GIA certificate and their Appraisal matched. That meant it had to be the diamond i paid for because Pink diamonds are so rare, that it would be impossible for it to be any other stone and convinced me that it didn't matter that the inscription couldn't be seen....it had to be there. I trusted her advise and the person who sold me the diamond so i left it at that as i didn't want to risk any damage to the diamond by having it unmounted and then remounted to verify something that had to be.

Now, it is 10 years later. I decided i wanted to sell the diamond and found a buyer in Australia. They would buy the ring upon their jeweler verifying the Argyle number inscribed on the diamond as I wasn't given an Argyle Certificate. All i had was was the GIA certificate with the Argyle # on it. They agreed that if i sent them the ring, they would unmount the diamond, verify the inscription and then send the ring back to me and put the money into my bank account. Simple enough.

I decided, since the appraisal should have verified the inscription when i had it appraised i thought it would be best if i took it back to them and have them remove and verify it. Then i would only have to send them the diamond and i would have peace of mind that the inscription was verified before i spent 2,000 to have it insured and sent to Buyer in Australia. To my horror, they could not find an inscription # lasered on the diamond. They had 3 different experts examine the diamond. They concluded, without removing the diamond from the setting, that it would be impossible for all the numbers to be hidden by 4 little claws. They again assured me that the diamond they examined from me and the one on the GIA report had to be the same as the mapping all matched. When I looked up the Argyle # on the GIA report, the Argyle report also matches the GIA Certificate and visual inspection. They told me that they have had diamonds shipped to their store that were supposed to be inscribed that weren't so they said it does happen and should be an easy fix. They just returned the diamond to the seller and the seller had GIA inscribe the # onto the diamond and shipped it back to the buyer.

I sent a letter to my buyer in Australia, who specializes in Argyle Pink Diamonds, and explained what happened. They explained that the inscription was not made by GIA, is was inscribed by the Argyle mine which has been closed since November 2020. With no Original Argyle mine certificate or lazer inscription on the diamond they would not buy it. They could not understand why there was no inscription on the diamond when it was on the GIA certificate.

I am so confused and i don't know what to do next. On one hand i am being told that even though the inscription is not on the diamond for whatever reason (human error?) the GIA certificate, duplicate copy of Argyle certificate and visual expert option by GIA certified gemologist that the mapping all match should be enough. Buyer however, says that without the inscription on the diamond to match the # on the GIA certificate it can't be validated.

Expert Argyle pink diamond experts, PLEASE, help me understand how this can all be. I feel it would have been impossible for the person who sold it to me, to not have known that their was no inscription on the diamond. Why does everything match but their is no inscription? Why isn't the information that i have enough to validate my diamond as an authentic Argyle pink diamond without the inscription? Does this mean that i have been defrauded out of 10's of thousands of $$? Does any have any solutions to this problem or idea's how it can be rectified?

I am suffer from chronic depression and anxiety and I just can't figure this all out!! I am completely overwhelmed. I took all my money out of my RRSP's 10 years ago to invest in this diamond for my retirement. Everyone thought i was crazy when i bought it and I was so close to showing that it was smart investment after all..... and now it has all fallen apart. It is all I have. There just has to be a solution somewhere.

I can see how upsetting this is for you. Hopefully someone on this forum can give you sound information/advice. Please, please be kind to yourself and get whatever support necessary for your peace of mind. Wishing you the very best.

 

[pink diamond lover]

Thank you for your kind words Ceilimom. I just need some answers from knowledgeable people.

 

[AnnaEsme]

Have you entered the Argyle number into the database to track the chain of custody on your pink diamond? I would start there to check if the Israeli jeweler is listed on the chain of custody.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification and Authenticity

Track your Argyle Pink Diamond. Each is inscribed with unique number to assure you of its verified chain of custody from the mine to your point of purchase. Check for your Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification document.

argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

How did GIA get the Argyle number if it is not on the stone?

Also, it is possible your pink diamond was mined during a time when they were not inscribed?

Argyle Diamond Laser Inscription Policy - Diamonds Of Australia

This article discusses the Laser inscription policy that Argyle has The laser inscription of an Argyle Diamond can have a big impact of its price so this is important to understand. had in place for it's white and coloured diamonds including pink, and champagne.

www.diamondsofaustralia.com.au

From 1985-1998 only white Argyle diamonds over 0.50 ct were laser inscribed. The coloured were not with the possible exception of some of the 1998 tender stones (pink).

2. In 2005 APD (Argyle Polished Diamonds) laser inscribed 0.20 ct and larger Pink Diamonds, and champagne and Cognacs diamonds over 0.50ct. The inscription features the Argyle diamond Logo “A” and the parcel number.

3. Since Jan. 2009 all Argyle Pink diamonds 0.15 ct and above have been inscribed and certified.



Another possibility: the jeweler could have replaced the laser inscribe pink diamond with another pink diamond. Have you had another jeweler authenticate it? I would have another jeweler look at it.

Best of luck to you. I wouldn't worry just yet.

 

[Autumn in New England]

I am not a diamond collector, so please excuse my ignorance. Does a pink diamond being from the Argyle mine greatly increase its value? There's such a premium for pink diamonds, that I'm surprised anyone would care exactly which mine is comes from or that a lack of inscription would impede a sale to the right buyer. If an Australian origin is the key to selling the stone at a particular price point, and labs cannot determine mine location (are we sure of that?), then it sounds like that's going to be an issue you may need to accept. Otherwise, I suggest having it recertified (sans any inscription) and continue to offer it for sale. If you reasonably believe it was sourced from the Argyle deposit, mention that in the listing. All things being equal (concerning quality), you should still be able to make a killing on that stone! So sorry for the ordeal... I hope you find peace of mind with the stone and make a great sale!

 

[pinkjewel]

Wow. What a mess. I'm so sorry this is happening to you .
To answer Autumn in New England- Yes!! Argyle pinks are sold at a premium price over other pink diamonds.
What is bothersome to me is that the GIA report has the inscribed Argyle number, which means it had to be inscribed when they looked at it. So, I'm sorry I am not sure where you can go from here. It's unfortunate that so much time has elapsed from when you purchased the diamond. Is the original dealer still in business? Was it Leibish by any chance? I totally trust them. I think the first thing I would do is try to contact the dealer and see if they kept original photos of the diamond and then go from there

 

[kenny]

Leibish sold me an pink with Argyle's laser inscription on the girdle.
GIA graded it 0.27 ct., VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink, but Argyle graded it pure pink (P3).
Pricescope chose my pic to include in their Education section on FCDs, in their pink article.

Pink Diamonds

High-quality pink diamonds command extremely high prices, second only to red diamonds – the rarest of all fancy colors.

www.pricescope.com

Being a macrophotographer geek, I managed to get a pic of the girdle inscription.



Perhaps I may be able measure the width of the inscription, and I do mean perhaps.
These things are tiny and I don't have a stereo microscope with a dial caliper stage for precisemeasurement of such things.
If I could tell you the width of the inscription (assuming your Argyle number also has 6 digits and the A icon like mine) you may find that your prongs (if you can manage to measure them with a calipers) are wider.
If so, your Argyle inscription may be hidden by a prong.

I'll give this measurement a go, and post later.

You may already have this but here's the link to Argyle's website's Authentication page, where you enter the Argyle number and it tells you Argyle's grading of the stone.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification and Authenticity

Track your Argyle Pink Diamond. Each is inscribed with unique number to assure you of its verified chain of custody from the mine to your point of purchase. Check for your Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification document.

argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

As always with competent labs, grades may not match perfectly (but of course should be very close).
For instance GIA graded my emerald cut VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink.
Argyle graded it pure pink (P3) and VVS2.
All other parameters matched.
I point this out because it addresses the assumption some folks make that all specs must match exactly.+

 

[pink diamond lover]

Have you entered the Argyle number into the database to track the chain of custody on your pink diamond? I would start there to check if the Israeli jeweler is listed on the chain of custody.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification and Authenticity

Track your Argyle Pink Diamond. Each is inscribed with unique number to assure you of its verified chain of custody from the mine to your point of purchase. Check for your Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification document.

argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

How did GIA get the Argyle number if it is not on the stone?

Also, it is possible your pink diamond was mined during a time when they were not inscribed?

Argyle Diamond Laser Inscription Policy - Diamonds Of Australia

This article discusses the Laser inscription policy that Argyle has The laser inscription of an Argyle Diamond can have a big impact of its price so this is important to understand. had in place for it's white and coloured diamonds including pink, and champagne.

www.diamondsofaustralia.com.au

From 1985-1998 only white Argyle diamonds over 0.50 ct were laser inscribed. The coloured were not with the possible exception of some of the 1998 tender stones (pink).

2. In 2005 APD (Argyle Polished Diamonds) laser inscribed 0.20 ct and larger Pink Diamonds, and champagne and Cognacs diamonds over 0.50ct. The inscription features the Argyle diamond Logo “A” and the parcel number.

3. Since Jan. 2009 all Argyle Pink diamonds 0.15 ct and above have been inscribed and certified.



Another possibility: the jeweler could have replaced the laser inscribe pink diamond with another pink diamond. Have you had another jeweler authenticate it? I would have another jeweler look at it.

Best of luck to you. I wouldn't worry just yet.

Yes it is on the Argyle website when i put the number in the data base. However, how do i see the chain of custody? I only see info on the diamond which matches the GIA certificate and the visual inspection of the diamond by a certified gemologist. This is why it is so confusing. I bought the stone in 2012. How could i find out when it was mined and if it is possible that it was during the time they were not inscribing them. That would explain it all. My buyer is an argyle pink diamond specialist....i wonder why she didn't think of this. Now i have to find a way to prove it was mined during that time, because that is the only thing that makes any sense! You have given me some hope!! Thanks so much!!!

 

[pink diamond lover]

Leibish sold me an pink with Argyle's laser inscription on the girdle.
GIA graded it 0.27 ct., VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink, but Argyle graded it pure pink (P3).
Pricescope chose my pic to include in their Education section on FCDs, in their pink article.

Pink Diamonds

High-quality pink diamonds command extremely high prices, second only to red diamonds – the rarest of all fancy colors.

www.pricescope.com

Being a macrophotographer geek, I managed to get a pic of the girdle inscription.



Perhaps I may be able measure the width of the inscription, and I do mean perhaps.
These things are tiny and I don't have a stereo microscope with a dial caliper stage for precisemeasurement of such things.
If I could tell you the width of the inscription (assuming your Argyle number also has 6 digits and the A icon like mine) you may find that your prongs (if you can manage to measure them with a calipers) are wider.
If so, your Argyle inscription may be hidden by a prong.

I'll give this measurement a go, and post later.

You may already have this but here's the link to Argyle's website's Authentication page, where you enter the Argyle number and it tells you Argyle's grading of the stone.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification and Authenticity

Track your Argyle Pink Diamond. Each is inscribed with unique number to assure you of its verified chain of custody from the mine to your point of purchase. Check for your Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification document.

argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

As always with competent labs, grades may not match perfectly (but of course should be very close).
For instance GIA graded my emerald cut VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink.
Argyle graded it pure pink (P3) and VVS2.
All other parameters matched.
I point this out because it addresses the assumption some folks make that all specs must match exactly.+

GIA Certificate, duplicate Argyle certificate from the # on GIA Certificate matches and so does the appraisal that i had done by a certified IGA gemologist. It just doesn't have the inscription lazer'd on the diamond.

 

[Autumn in New England]

To answer Autumn in New England- Yes!! Argyle pinks are sold at a premium price over other pink diamonds. What is bothersome to me is that the GIA report has the inscribed Argyle number, which means it had to be inscribed when they looked at it.

Thank you! Ahh well then that is unfortunate. And I agree with you... if the GIA noted the inscription during original testing, then something had to happen between that time and now. It would seem that either the girdle was polished, and I'm not sure why anyone would do that, or this is a different stone.

Again, I am not a diamond expert, and there are folks on this forum far more qualified than I who have answered and will answer this question. But, IMO, the only thing there is to do at this point is recertify the diamond and continue to offer it for sale. I think you can still mention its Argyle origin in the listing, though it lacks the inscription, and let prospective buyers decide if that works for them or not. Perhaps you may not receive an Argyle premium, but all is not lost! She will still sell for big bucks, I'm sure. Good luck, my friend.

 

[kenny]

... It just doesn't have the inscription lazer'd on the diamond.

Did they remove the stone from the setting so they could inspect 100% of the girdle?
I though you posted they didn't, and it was suggested the inscription might be under a prong?

???

 

[pinkjewel]

Yes it is on the Argyle website when i put the number in the data base. However, how do i see the chain of custody? I only see info on the diamond which matches the GIA certificate and the visual inspection of the diamond by a certified gemologist. This is why it is so confusing. I bought the stone in 2012. How could i find out when it was mined and if it is possible that it was during the time they were not inscribing them. That would explain it all. My buyer is an argyle pink diamond specialist....i wonder why she didn't think of this. Now i have to find a way to prove it was mined during that time, because that is the only thing that makes any sense! You have given me some hope!! Thanks so much!!!

Unfortuantely, Pink diamond Lover- that does not explain it all. For GIA to list the inscribed Argyle number it had to be on the diamond at that time. So, there are 4 options. 1) the diamond you originally purchased was not the same diamond as the reports, 2) your diamond was switched at some point 3) someone polished the inscription off (which makes no sense) 4) the inscription is there under a prong

 

[pink diamond lover]

Wow. What a mess. I'm so sorry this is happening to you .
To answer Autumn in New England- Yes!! Argyle pinks are sold at a premium price over other pink diamonds.
What is bothersome to me is that the GIA report has the inscribed Argyle number, which means it had to be inscribed when they looked at it. So, I'm sorry I am not sure where you can go from here. It's unfortunate that so much time has elapsed from when you purchased the diamond. Is the original dealer still in business? Was it Leibish by any chance? I totally trust them. I think the first thing I would do is try to contact the dealer and see if they kept original photos of the diamond and then go from there

No it wasn't from Liebish. That is what the buyer of my diamond didn't understand and what i am trying to figure out... why is the number on IGA and not on the diamond. The person i bought it from only had the IGA certificate, which i assumed was all i needed as diamond should have been laser inscribed. They used a video of my diamond on their website until i bought it. They had to have known it didn't have an inscription on girdle and why didn't they have the certificate from Argyle. i need to find a way to prove this diamond could have come from pre 2009 at which time i am told they didn't inscribe them....i am so confused

 

[pink diamond lover]

Did they remove the stone from the setting so they could inspect 100% of the girdle?
I though you posted they didn't, and it was suggested the inscription might be under a prong?

???

You are right they didn't remove the stone. All three experts who viewed the stone when i took it back 10 years later concluded that that entire number and argyle sign couldn't be small enough to be totally hidden by a claw so they said there was no need to remove it.

 

[pink diamond lover]

Leibish sold me an pink with Argyle's laser inscription on the girdle.
GIA graded it 0.27 ct., VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink, but Argyle graded it pure pink (P3).
Pricescope chose my pic to include in their Education section on FCDs, in their pink article.

Pink Diamonds

High-quality pink diamonds command extremely high prices, second only to red diamonds – the rarest of all fancy colors.

www.pricescope.com

Being a macrophotographer geek, I managed to get a pic of the girdle inscription.



Perhaps I may be able measure the width of the inscription, and I do mean perhaps.
These things are tiny and I don't have a stereo microscope with a dial caliper stage for precisemeasurement of such things.
If I could tell you the width of the inscription (assuming your Argyle number also has 6 digits and the A icon like mine) you may find that your prongs (if you can manage to measure them with a calipers) are wider.
If so, your Argyle inscription may be hidden by a prong.

I'll give this measurement a go, and post later.

You may already have this but here's the link to Argyle's website's Authentication page, where you enter the Argyle number and it tells you Argyle's grading of the stone.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification and Authenticity

Track your Argyle Pink Diamond. Each is inscribed with unique number to assure you of its verified chain of custody from the mine to your point of purchase. Check for your Argyle Pink Diamonds Gem Identification document.

argylepinkdiamonds.com.au

As always with competent labs, grades may not match perfectly (but of course should be very close).
For instance GIA graded my emerald cut VVS1 Fancy Deep Purplish Pink.
Argyle graded it pure pink (P3) and VVS2.
All other parameters matched.
I point this out because it addresses the assumption some folks make that all specs must match exactly.+

I would greatly appreciate that measurement! The Jewelers who looked at it last said it would be impossible to hide the entire number under a claw.

 

[kenny]

I would greatly appreciate that measurement! The Jewelers who looked at it last said it would be impossible to hide the entire number under a claw.

I suspect I know a reason they may be mistaken.
After all, we're all human.
FCDs are rare.
Pink is one of the rarest colors.
Argyle pinks inscribed with their Argyle number are even more rare.
Only the Argyle Tender diamonds are more rare.

How many Argyle girdle inscriptions do you suppose these 3 jewelers have seen in person, with their loupe?
I'd guess zero, unless they specialize in top-drawer FCDs.
I'm sure those jewelers certainly exist but I think they are not every corner jeweler.
But I'm sure all 3 of your jewelers have seen many GIA inscriptions, which are much longer.
I doubt a GIA inscription would fit under any prong, unless that prong is holding HRH The Queen's 3,106 carat rock.

The emerald cut's girdle has eight facets, the two long ones, the two shorter ones, and the four extremely short ones at the four corners.
My inscription in the pic above is on one of those short corner facets.
On a 0.27 ct emerald cut those corner facets are tiny and the inscription takes up maybe 85% of the corner facet.



I'll try to get a measurement.
Then you'll need to carefully measure your prongs with a calipers or micrometer you can buy on Amazon.
Or take it to a jeweler who has a calipers or micrometer.

I'll try to get a measurement for you.

 

[yssie]

Three questions:
What year is the GIA report from?
Have you had the stone in your possession since your purchase in 2012?
Can you post a screenshot of the GIA report where it notates the Argyle inscription?




Ditto @kenny.

Just remove the stone and look at it under a microscope (actual microscope, not billion-magnification loupe - most people who aren’t macro photog experts like Kenny can’t use those super high-mag lenses/loupes).
I’m 99% confident the inscription is there, hidden under a prong, exactly what these experts are telling you is impossible.
There is a 1% possibility that the girdle was repolished and the inscription removed in the time between when the GIA report was issued and when you purchased it, assuming you have had the stone in your possession since purchase in 2012.

For future consideration, don’t ever buy any jewellery as an investment. Your family and friends are right: For anyone not in the trade it’s a really terrible idea.

 

[demantoidz]

If its of any help, some Arygles on Leibish's site have further-away perspective shots of the inscription. This is a 3.46mm stone.
E.g.

Pink Diamonds: Shop Natural Loose Pink Diamond | Leibish

Pink Diamonds are considered extremely rare. LEIBISH specializes in natural Pink Diamonds. Discover our range of pink diamonds for unique investments, jewelry and collectors.

www.leibish.com

And here's a 3.8mm Argyle diamond set in a ring, photographed from the top and the side. The prongs appear to cover enough of the girdle to potentially hide an Argyle inscription of similar length/size.

Argyle Fancy Brownish Pink Round Diamond Double Halo Ring, SKU 429322 (0.68Ct TW)

A beautiful fancy brownish pink round diamond Double Halo Ring, with a center stone weighing 0.21cts and certified by Gia and with Argyle inscription. The ring features an open pave double halo, set with fancy light pink and collection color brilliants, with the split shank further accented by...

www.leibish.com

 

[kenny]

...
I’m 99% confident the inscription is there, hidden under a prong, exactly what these experts are telling you is impossible.
...

+1
I feel very strongly that if GIA says the Argyle inscription is there, then it IS there.

And I agree the only way to be 100% sure is to have the stone unmounted.
Of course it's hindsight now, but this really should have been straightened out before mounting.

 

[whitewave]

Until you have it unmounted and checked under the prongs, I assume the laser number is hidden by a prong.

 

[Ionysis]

Unfortuantely, Pink diamond Lover- that does not explain it all. For GIA to list the inscribed Argyle number it had to be on the diamond at that time. So, there are 4 options. 1) the diamond you originally purchased was not the same diamond as the reports, 2) your diamond was switched at some point 3) someone polished the inscription off (which makes no sense) 4) the inscription is there under a prong

This isn’t necessarily the case. The stone could have been submitted to GIA along with the Argyle certificate. GIA could have authenticated the diamond against the Argyle cert and included the number their report without there having to be a laser inscription on the stone.

 

[Autumn in New England]

Unfortunately, Pink diamond Lover- that does not explain it all. For GIA to list the inscribed Argyle number it had to be on the diamond at that time. So, there are 4 options. 1) the diamond you originally purchased was not the same diamond as the reports, 2) your diamond was switched at some point 3) someone polished the inscription off (which makes no sense) 4) the inscription is there under a prong

This sums it up perfectly, IMO. I truly hope it is #4 for you, OP!

 

[AnnaEsme]

Yes it is on the Argyle website when i put the number in the data base. However, how do i see the chain of custody? I only see info on the diamond which matches the GIA certificate and the visual inspection of the diamond by a certified gemologist. This is why it is so confusing. I bought the stone in 2012. How could i find out when it was mined and if it is possible that it was during the time they were not inscribing them. That would explain it all. My buyer is an argyle pink diamond specialist....i wonder why she didn't think of this. Now i have to find a way to prove it was mined during that time, because that is the only thing that makes any sense! You have given me some hope!! Thanks so much!!!

You could contact argyle diamonds and provide them with the information you have and the number. Ask them when the diamond was mined and the chain of custody.
[email protected]

It is highly probable the inscription is hidden by a prong.

 

[Autumn in New England]

This isn’t necessarily the case. The stone could have been submitted to GIA along with the Argyle certificate. GIA could have authenticated the diamond against the Argyle cert and included the number their report without there having to be a laser inscription on the stone.

But do you think the GIA would risk copying an inscription number from an outside document on their own report, without first verifying it for themselves on the actual diamond? That seems really reckless to me.

 

[pink diamond lover]

I would greatly appreciate that measurement! The Jewelers who looked at it last said it would be impossible to hide the entire number under a claw.

Here is picture of my diamond

I suspect I know a reason they may be mistaken.
After all, we're all human.
FCDs are rare.
Pink is one of the rarest colors.
Argyle pinks inscribed with their Argyle number are even more rare.
Only the Argyle Tender diamonds are more rare.

How many Argyle girdle inscriptions do you suppose these 3 jewelers have seen in person, with their loupe?
I'd guess zero, unless they specialize in top-drawer FCDs.
I'm sure those jewelers certainly exist but I think they are not every corner jeweler.
But I'm sure all 3 of your jewelers have seen many GIA inscriptions, which are much longer.
I doubt a GIA inscription would fit under any prong, unless that prong is holding HRH The Queen's 3,106 carat rock.

The emerald cut's girdle has eight facets, the two long ones, the two shorter ones, and the four extremely short ones at the four corners.
My inscription in the pic above is on one of those short corner facets.
On a 0.27 ct emerald cut those corner facets are tiny and the inscription takes up maybe 85% of the corner facet.



I'll try to get a measurement.
Then you'll need to carefully measure your prongs with a calipers or micrometer you can buy on Amazon.
Or take it to a jeweler who has a calipers or micrometer.

I'll try to get a measurement for you.

I have a radiant cut just like yours. It has four prongs and after i looked at your picture, i can see how it could be hidden under one of those prongs. Each prong is on an edge just like this one. I think they are wrong and it is hidden so i went back and they are removing the diamond so i know 100% if it is there or not. I think it has to be there! I have remained friends with the person who sold me the ring over all they years and he has answered my questions for me over that time. I was in such shock when they told me that it couldn't be small enough to be on there i wasn't thinking clearly i just reacted with overwhelming fear.

 

[yssie]

This isn’t necessarily the case. The stone could have been submitted to GIA along with the Argyle certificate. GIA could have authenticated the diamond against the Argyle cert and included the number their report without there having to be a laser inscription on the stone.

But do you think the GIA would risk copying an inscription number from an outside document on their own report, without first verifying it for themselves on the actual diamond? That seems really reckless to me.

If the Argyle inscription is notated on the GIA in the comments section under the “Inscription:” header, then it was present on the stone when GIA examined it, no alternative. GIA is not validating, seconding, confirming, or evaluating any of the content under that “Inscription:” header - GIA is just notating that this inscription exists on the stone.

However, @Ionysis brings up a good point - we don’t know precisely how this inscription is appearing on the GIA report. I can’t think of any other way, but best to not make assumptions I suppose!! I edited my questions to OP above to request a screenshot of the GIA to answer this!

Here’s a CS thread with a couple of examples:

Slipped into the pink diamond rabbit hole...help pull me out!

I don't buy loose white diamonds...much less colored diamonds. And now I am freaking a bit because I just made a totally uneducated impulse pink diamond purchase without any knowledge or idea what to do with them. I went to visit my local bench and I wanted to buy something since I gave him no...

www.pricescope.com

 

[Ionysis]

There are many old stock Argyle diamonds about without laser inscription. GIA could have verified the stone against an Argyle cert by confirming the individual diamond characteristics. While that wouldn’t be the case with any old diamond it could happen with Argyle pinks as they are so rare and valuable. OP said this diamond cost her life savings so it’s not a run of the mill stone.

 

[pink diamond lover]

This isn’t necessarily the case. The stone could have been submitted to GIA along with the Argyle certificate. GIA could have authenticated the diamond against the Argyle cert and included the number their report without there having to be a laser inscription on the stone.

If this would have happened, wouldn't they have given the buyer the Argyle certificate? My Seller only had the GIA not the Argyle.