Diamond Care
EDUCATION SERIES
DIAMOND
CERTIFICATE
A diamond certificate is issued after an unbiased and professional examination of to authenticate a diamond’s attributes. The carat weight, colour and clarity are all validated, together with the diamond's exact measurements.
Cut grades are also included for Round Brilliant cuts. Certificates are essential in determining or testifying a diamond's value.
AT MICHAEL TRIO, OUR DIAMONDS ARE GRADED
BY GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (GIA)
While there are several highly reputable diamond laboratories in the world - American Gemological Society (AGS),Hoge Raad Voor Diamant; Diamond High Council(HRD),European Gemological Institute (EGL), and the International Gemological Institute(IGI), to name a few - we will only be selling diamonds that are GIA-graded.
This is simply because they’re renowned for setting the bars of the standards of diamond criteria and most importantly, they’re the most consistent diamond lab worldwide.
GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
THE GIA, FOUNDED 1931
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent, non-profit organization widely considered as the world's foremost authority in gemology.
READ MORE HERE
THE GRADING SYSTEM
Introduced in 1953, their diamond and gemstone grading system is recognized as an accepted standard worldwide.
Gemstone manufacturers from around the globe send diamonds and gems to the GIA for expert examination and analysis.
GIA develop the first internationally accepted Diamond Grading System with unbiased opinions of the quality of polished diamonds by applying uniform criteria to their grading.
It also introduced the foremost diamond report in setting the standard for diamond quality documentation around the world.
DIAMOND GRADING STANDARDS
7 FACTORS
A diamond is evaluted by 7 factors, comprising of the 4Cs - Carat, Clarity, Color, Cut Grade - as well as Polish and Symmetry, Fluorescence and laser Inscription.
CARAT
After a diamond's carat weight is determined, its measurements, depth, table, angles, culet, and girdle thickness are recorded.
COLOUR
A diamond's color is graded on a scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow) by comparing it to master stones of predetermined colour.
CLARITY
Clarity is assessed on a scale ranging from FL (flawless) to I3 (included) based on an examination of the stone under a binocular microscope of 10x magnification.
The stone's characteristics are plotted on a diamond diagram.
CUT GRADE
Cut grade is established for brilliant round-cut diamonds based on the analysis of the stone's craftsmanship and light interaction.
The level of a diamond's craftsmanship is determined by evaluating its polish, symmetry, and proportions.
The stone's light interaction is based on its brightness, scintillation, and fire.
The GIA designates the quality of a cut on a grading scale ranging from Excellent to Poor.
POLISH AND SYMMETRY
A diamond is evaluated for polish and symmetry on a grading scale ranging from Excellent to Poor.
The grade is based on an inspection of the diamond's craftsmanship.
FLUORESCENCE
A diamond's fluorescence is determined as None, Faint, Medium, or Strong based on its reaction to ultraviolet light.
LASER INSCRIPTION
For added security and identification, a diamond's girdle can be laser inscribed with its GIA report number. The GIA offers laser inscription services for all of the loose diamonds they grade.
TYPES
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY GIA
Diamond Dossier Example
HEARTS AND
ARROWS DIAMONDS
'HEARTS AND ARROWS'?
EFFECT
They are created by the reflection of 16 lower girdle facets in the table of the stone.
A TRUE HEARTS & ARROWS
A LOSS FOR A GAIN
A LONGER TIME
Whereas it takes an hour to polish a standard cut, an Ideal cut Hearts and Arrows diamond can take up to four days.
HIGHER COSTS
As a result of the extremely complex cut and occurrence of a rare phenomenon, the diamonds exhibit a complete Hearts and Arrows pattern that costs more to produce than a regular round or even, a standard Ideal cut diamond.
GRADING A HEARTS AND ARROWS DIAMOND
HEARTS AND
ARROWS VIEWER
IMPORTANT!
When viewing the hearts and arrows effect through the viewer, the diamond’s table must be totally parallel to the viewer lens in order to view the eight arrows properly. A slight deviation can make the arrows look misaligned.
VIEWING THE HEARTS EFFECT
Similarly, to see the hearts effect, the diamond must be centred-spelling directly over the exact center point of the viewer’s base and the viewer’s opening.
WHAT’S A GOOD OR BAD
HEARTS AND ARROWS DIAMOND?
For a clearer idea of what makes a good or bad hearts and arrows diamond, we’ve assembled a few images for your reference.
BAD HEARTS
Bad hearts are inconsistent in shape and size, with lack of symmetry
GOOD HEARTS
Pattern is very symmetrical with even separation between arrowhead (V’s) and the tip of each heart.
BAD ARROWS
Asymmetrical arrows and distorted arrows that show weak symmetry are unacceptable.
GOOD ARROWS
Pattern is very symmetrical, with all arrows being straight, well-formed, and bright, and showing the same intensity in the viewer.