Written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value of a diamond or piece of diamond jewellery. An appraisal is not a diamond certificate or diamond grading report.
Annealing
Treatment to artificially enhance the colour of a diamond with a slow-heating process. Irradiated diamonds are usually annealed to further modify or enhance their colour.
Adamas
Archaic Greek word from which the word ‘diamond’ is derived. Adamas means ‘indestructible’.
Abrasion
Type of blemish that looks like a bruise or scratch on the surface of a diamond. Abrasions can affect the polish grade of a diamond.
Abraded Facet Edge
The sharp edges where diamond facets meet can become damaged and worn away with wear. An abraded facet edge can look “fuzzy” under magnification, and affect the polish grade of a diamond.
Abraded Culet
The sharp point at the bottom of the diamond can become damaged and worn away with wear. An abraded culet can look “fuzzy” under magnification, and affect the polish grade of a diamond.
If I buy a certified diamond, how do I know that the diamond in my ring is the one described on the diamond certificate or diamond grading report?
There are a number of ways to verify that your diamond matches the diamond certificate it is purchased with. If you purchased a diamond that is laser inscribed, ask your jeweller to show you the laser inscription under magnification. This way, you will always be able to identify the diamond as your own.
DCLA also performs a verification service, for both DCLA certified diamonds and for diamonds certified by other internationally recognised laboratories. Bring or send your diamond, together with the diamond grading certificate, to the DCLA laboratory and the diamond will be conclusively matched against the certificate. DCLA can then cold laser inscribe the diamond with either the diamond grading certificate number, or with a personalised message.
Do you keep a record of my diamond grading certificate?
A complete database is kept of all diamonds certified by the DCLA laboratory. Each diamond that is submitted to the laboratory for grading is issued with a unique, individual DCLA number; this number is used both to track the diamond as it progresses through the laboratory, and also as a reference number for identification once it leaves the laboratory.
I have a diamond “valuation,” is this not the same as a diamond certificate?
A diamond valuation is only done once the diamond has been set in the ring. Inclusions are hidden, colour is obscured, carat weight and measurements have to be estimated. This makes it impossible to determine the exact characteristics (4 C’s) of the diamond and consequently the “valuation” can be significantly different to the actual value. In fact most valuations have the following disclaimer: “Gemstones have not been removed from settings for accurate assessment, all grades and weights are approximate.” Often these insurance valuations are used as selling tools by jewellers; for example, when selling a diamond ring for $10 000 a jeweller may present a valuation for $15 000. The customer will think he is getting a very good deal, however the diamond ring had never ever been sold at that value.
I want to get a diamond certified before I buy it, what should I do ?
It is strongly advised that you purchase a diamond that has already been certified. Most reputable jewellers will sell diamonds that have already been certified by an independent, recognised laboratory. If you want the DCLA to certify a diamond we will gladly assist you, please give us a call for more information.