The Essentials You Need To Know When Purchasing and Caring For Your Diamond.
Diamond Certification

Gemological Institute of America

GIA LogoThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent nonprofit organization and is the world's largest diamond grading laboratory. It was founded by Robert M. Shipley in 1931 with the mission of providing the jewelry industry with education, research and gemological instrumentation, and diamond grading services. GIA was the first organization in the U.S. to provide lab certificates for diamonds. GIA is responsible for creating the International Diamond Grading System™, which has become the standard for diamond grading worldwide.


Information Documented in the Diamond Grading Report

Term Definition
Shape and Cutting Style: Shape and style of cutting.
Measurements: Dimensions and proportions in millimeters as measured by an optical measurement device.
Carat Weight: Weight in carats measured by an electronic micro-balance.
Color Grade: Color assigned as compared to the standardized (D - Z) color grading system when viewed in a controlled environment by several graders. Grade is assigned when a consensus has been reached.
Clarity Grade: Clarity assigned as compared to the standardized (IF - I3) color grading system. Grade is assigned when a consensus has been reached among several graders.
Cut Grade: A grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) assigned to the diamond after careful evaluation of the diamond's proportions (measurements and facet angles), along with the polish, symmetry, brightness, fire, scintillation (sparkle and pattern), weight ratio and durability. 
Polish: A grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) assigned to the diamond's surface smoothness.
Symmetry: A grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) assigned to the shape, alignment, and placement of the facets in relation to each other.
Flourescence: Strength and color of the diamond's flourescence in response to UV light.
Comments: Additional diamond characteristics and inscriptions not previouslymentioned on the report.
Clarity Plot: A map of the diamond's internal inclusions, their location and type as viewed under a micropscope.
Proportion Diagram: A side profile of the diamond containing its actual proportions and measurements.

Types of Reports Offered


GIA Diamond Grading Report

The GIA Diamond Grading Report is the most comprehensive report GIA offers and is exclusive to natural untreated diamonds at least 0.15 carats and larger. The report includes the full description of the diamond's carat weight, dimensions, color, clarity, cut grade (round brilliant diamonds only), polish, and symmetry, as well as a full plotting of the internal characteristics.

GIA Diamond Grading Report

View Report PDF

GIA Diamond Dossier®

The GIA Diamond Dossier® is offered for natural untreated diamonds 0.15 to 1.99 carats in weight and includes all of the information provided on the full report with the exception of the plot. The plot for GIA Diamond Dossiers® has been replaced with a laser inscription containing the reports unique ID number on the girdle of the diamond.

GIA Diamond Dossier Report

View Report PDF

GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report

The GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report is available for diamonds 0.15 carats and larger outside the (D-Z) color range. The report provides the color grade, color origin (nautural or treated), carat weight, clarity, and a diagram of the clarity characteristics. Some Color Diamond Grading Reports may also have a full color image of the diamond, as this is available as an option.

GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report

View Report PDF