Synthetic diamonds or “man-made” diamonds are created in a laboratory using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). The DCLA will only certify natural, untreated diamonds and therefore will not certify synthetic stones.
What other security measures does the DCLA offer ?
You can have your certified diamond sealed in a DCLA Certicard ® Seal which will provide a further safeguard against your stone being substituted. The seal has a number of security features including electrostatic security bars, pressure-sensitive transparent adhesive and Cryptoprint® text which becomes visible after opening the seal. It is therefore very difficult to tamper with the seal. This sealing will also protect your diamond against damage and dirt.
My jeweller will not supply me with a certificate from an independent diamond grading laboratory, what should I do?
Always use a jeweller this is willing to provide you with an independent diamond grading report or diamond certificate; without a diamond grading certificate from an independent diamond grading laboratory, you will not know the true quality of the diamond you purchase.
Can you identify the latest diamond simulants, diamond treatments, and synthetic diamonds?
The DCLA uses the latest equipment and technology to detect and conclusively identify treated diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and fake diamond simulants. All diamonds that are submitted for grading to the DCLA laboratory are screened for treatment and authenticity. Diamonds that require further testing are then examined and tested on advanced equipment to conclusively determine their authenticity.
I have a diamond ring with a total diamond carat weight of 1.5 carats in small diamonds. Are they worth the same as a single 1.5 carat diamond ?
No, the value is not even close. A single 1.5 carat diamond with the same shape, cut, clarity and colour will be worth many times more then the 1.5 carats of small diamonds. This is mainly because large diamonds are rarer, and much more valuable.
What sort of diamond laser technology does the DCLA use?
The DCLA uses the latest Photoscribe cold laser technology that allows excellent control during diamond laser inscription without damaging the diamond. The PhotoScribe cold laser is the only laser guaranteed not to damage or alter your diamond by penetrating beyond the surface.
What is diamond laser inscription?
Laser inscription is the use of a very fine, precise laser beam to write a diamond certificate (diamond grading report) number or customised personal message on the girdle (outside perimeter) of a diamond. The diamond’s laser inscription is totally invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a magnifying loupe. It does not change the colour or clarity grade of a diamond and is considered permanent as it can only be removed by a professional diamond cutter.
Can I bring my diamond jewellery to the laboratory for certification?
It is impossible to accurately grade diamonds while still in a setting, only estimates and approximations of the 4 C’s are possible. The setting may hide inclusions, mask colour, and make accurate measurements and weighing impossible. You therefore need to have to have the diamonds removed from the setting before submitting them to the DCLA laboratory. Your jeweller will be able to do this for you, it is a quick and relatively inexpensive process.
Will my diamond certificate or diamond grading report have a value on it?
A certificate is NOT a valuation and therefore does not indicate a dollar value. A diamond grading certificate is an in-depth description of a diamond’s characteristics, or 4 C’s, while an appraisal or valuation is a written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value at a given point in time.
Who are the DCLA and what do they do?
The DCLA or Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia is an independent diamond grading laboratory, and the only diamond grading laboratory in Australia that is internationally affiliated and recognised. Grading is done in accordance with IDC (International Diamond Council) rules.
Mission Statement
DCLA History
Technology & Grading Process
DCLA Laboratory Team