What are the differences between diamond grading labs?

Consumers need to be aware that there are variations between different diamond labs when making a diamond purchase. Although many reputable jewellers offer uncertified diamonds with their own brand name or appraisal included, ideally a diamond should come with a grading report from a well known and reputable lab.

Most diamonds sold come with a diamond certificate or grading report which authenticate a diamond’s attributes. These reports will include features such as cut, shape, carat, colour, clarity, dimensions, etc.

There are many different diamond grading laboratories, but no across the board standards so different labs can produce different reports for the same stone.

Several renowned grading agencies in the United States and Europe have high reputations and different levels of standards:

• Gemological Institute of America (GIA): The foremost authority on diamonds. They set the standard for accuracy in grading diamonds particularly based on colour and clarity. Labs from all over the world commonly use GIA master set stones to compare colours and clarity grades when they're uncertain on a grading.