The EGL, which stands for European Gemological Society, is an internationally recognized appraiser of loose diamonds. When you purchase a diamond, either loose or set in a piece of jewelry, that is accompanied by certification from EGL loose diamonds, you can be assured that the carat, cut, clarity and color of the diamond has been assessed by a team of eight professionals.

This is the standard set in the EGL laboratories in Antwerp, Belgium, and in Los Angeles and New York, as well as in other cities. Along with other appraisals of diamonds, such as GIA diamond rings and IGI appraisals, EGL loose diamond certifications are recognized in every country of the world. This appraisal institute is recognized as the moist prestigious appraisal organization in the world because of the methods it has developed for scrutinizing diamonds.

For example, this was the first appraisal lab to be able to analyze diamonds weighing less than one carat. Since one carat is equivalent to 1/5 of one gram, this is indeed a very small stone. It was also responsible for developing the S13 designation for diamond clarity. In evaluating EGL loose diamonds, a team of expert gemologists looks at each diamond using a series of comprehensive tests. The first part of the appraisal process involves weighing and measuring the diamond.

While you do receive the weight and measurement in GIA and IGI appraisal, the very precise instruments used at EGL measure the culet and thickness of the stone. The color of the stone is examined by placing it in a special room under special lighting, which has been calibrated to give exact results. In analyzing the color of the diamond, the EGL loose diamonds assessment team uses a master comparison chart in which it is compared to other diamonds.

When there is a disagreement about the color, at least three of the experts must agree in order to give a definitive analysis. Polish and symmetry take up the next steps in assessing diamonds that are EGL loose diamonds. These features determine the skill level of the diamond cutter. The process involves identifying the cut, checking the facets of the stone and checking the proportions. The brilliance of the stone is also evaluated and the manner in which the diamond reflects, refracts, and disperses light.

Each diamond analyzed at EGL receives a certification number as do GIA diamond rings. When you request an appraisal you can choose to have this number inscribed on the diamond by laser equipment. It will not show on the diamond and can only be seen by means of a high-powered microscope. If you are in the business of buying and selling diamonds, this inscription would be advantageous for buyers so that they know that the diamond has been appraised and that the certificate you provide for them is completely legitimate.

Along with the laser number, the high precision instruments used in grading EGL loose diamonds can also provide information about the four C's of the diamond right on the stone. The EGL does offer courses in diamond grading in which you learn the theory behind the process as well as take part in practical applications. You will learn all about diamonds that are considered to be best value diamonds from the extraction of rough diamonds in the mining process to the polishing and how to grade a diamond.

Even though these courses are offered at the EGL facilities in Israel, there are correspondence courses available to interested people all over the world. They are taught in several different languages by experienced and certified gemologists and at the end of the course, you receive a certificate stating that you too are certified by the EGL.