What is a GIA certificate? GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America. The GIA created the 4 C’s grading system and also has the strictest grading standards of the leading labs (other labs are IGI, AGS, GSI, EGL) but GIA is also the most consistent. An accredited independent gemological laboratory like the GIA issues a diamond certificate or diamond report. The certificate includes grades for the diamond’s carat, cut, color and clarity. The grades are very subjective since an individual looks at each diamond under a loop (10x magnifying glass) and is the opinion of the individual at the lab. Other information such as the diamond’s polish, symmetry, fluorescence, and a graphical depiction showing the location of the diamond’s inclusions is also included in the certificate.   Once you have the diamond engagement ring GIA certificate/report, first look at the Cut grade. This is the one of the most important […]