What does this mean? How do I tell if the retailer is reputable or not?

Buying a diamond can be a scary undertaking these days. There is an abundance of information available to consumers, but not all of it is accurate. Hopefully we can clear up a few of the myths and give you some guidelines.

Apart from teaching you the basics about diamonds and the 4 C's, diamond buying guides usually also advise consumers that they should shop at ethical, honest and reputable retailers?

Our advice is to ask if the diamond is certified and to see which laboratory issued the certificate or grading report. The quality of the certificate, or lack thereof, goes a long way towards telling if you are dealing with someone reputable and professional.

A diamond certificate or diamond grading report is only as good as the laboratory who issued it.

The certificate should come from a reputable, independent and recognized laboratory.

Diamond certificates from respectable labs, meaning GIA, HRD, AGS or DCLA, are totally necessary if you want to compare diamonds intelligently.

We suggest that before buying an expensive item like a loose diamond you should do some research first.

Laboratories such as GIA, HRD, AGS and DCLA issue grading reports of the highest international standards. All of these diamond grading laboratories utilize strict procedures, have the most advanced equipment, and affiliations which meet the strict requirements for recognition by international trade organizations.

When buying diamonds you should exercise caution because it is up to you, the consumer, to verify the credentials of the diamond grading laboratory and the diamond merchant, wholesaler or jeweller you are dealing with when buying diamonds or engagement rings.

If when buying a diamond the jeweler tells you that buying a certified diamond is unnecessary, or that there will be an extra charge associated with an independent certificate we suggest that you be extremely cautious and shop for diamonds elsewhere.

Valuations or appraisals are NOT the same as a diamond certificate or grading report.

A diamond certificate documents the complete quality and description of the diamond, it includes information on shape, carat weight, clarity, fluorescence, colour grade, measurements, proportions and finish grade but they never mention the value of the diamond.

Be even more cautious of website dealers who issue their own 'in house diamond certificates' or 'manufacturer's grading reports' as these simply are NOT independent certificates and they are NOT from a recognized laboratory.

For a diamond certificate to be reliable and useful it must have been issued by a reputable, independent laboratory which has had no financial interest in the stone to avoid any conflict of interest. If you've never heard of the institution that is offering a grading report, don't hesitate to ask about its credentials and that of the people who graded the diamond. Diamond grading laboratories which grade to IDC International Diamond Council rules, do not just use the opinion and expertise of one person. They must grade the diamond and have the opinion and consensus of three qualified diamond graders before the grade is applied to any diamond.

A diamond certificate should not be judged by its appearance and graphic design. Just because someone calls themselves a laboratory or opens up a business to do diamond certificates and valuations after having completed a gemology course, that does not mean they have the needed technical equipment, qualifications, knowledge and expertise.

These small local labs often lay claims of being independent, recognized, and having state of art equipment but what about the qualifications of the directors, graders and that of the person who graded the diamond? Did they test for all types of treatments and any enhancements? Do they guarantee that the diamond is natural? Was the diamond laser inscribed using a cold laser? Do they grade diamonds to set international rules and standards?

It is one thing to produce great looking certificates but it is extremely important that the certificate or grading report has accurate information and is technically correct.

As a consumer, the diamond certificate or grading report is your safe guard when buying a diamond. Diamond certificates are invaluable documents that show in detail a diamond's credentials, so why wouldn't you check the credentials of the laboratory who graded the diamond and the retailer or diamond dealer as well?