How do you read a diamond code?

How do you read a diamond number?

The GIA report number appears microscopically engraved on the outer edge (girdle) of the diamond. This gives buyers a unique way of linking their GIA report to the physical diamond. Enter this number into GIA's website, and hey-presto — you have an electronic copy of your diamond grading report.

How do you read diamond grading?

The AGS 0–10 grading scale is easy to understand: the highest possible grade is zero, and the lowest is 10. Easy, huh? So, a diamond with a color grade of 3 has less color than a diamond with a color grade of 5. Natural diamonds having less color are rarer; therefore, they may cost more.

How are diamonds coded?

Many GIA graded diamonds have a unique serial number laser inscribed on the girdle which enables you to match the diamond to its certification. If you look carefully, you can see the inscription on the girdle of the diamond below.

What do diamond codes mean?

D-F grade diamonds are colourless; G-J are near colourless; K-M have a faint yellow/brown tinge; N-R have a 'very light' colour hue and S-Z have a 'light' colour. To the untrained eye, S-Z pretty much look like yellow diamonds. Clarity Grades.

How to Check your Diamond Ring's GIA Laser Inscription Under the Microscope?

Which is better VS1 or VS2?

What do the numbers 1 and 2 mean – VS1 and VS2? A VS1 diamond has slightly fewer and smaller inclusions than a VS2 diamond. In other words, a VS1 diamond is slightly better than a VS2 diamond.

What is the best diamond color rating code?

The American Gem Society Color Grade indicates where a diamond's color falls on a scale that runs from 0 (colorless) to 10 (light yellow or light brown). Most labs grade based on using D as the best color (see top line in the scale above), down to Z.

How do you verify a diamond?

If you have a loose diamond to test, fill a regular glass about ¾ of the way full with water. Gently drop the diamond into the glass. If the diamond sinks to the bottom, it's real. If it floats at the surface or just underneath, it's likely a fake.

How do you tell if a diamond is real or lab made?

The differences between Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds cannot be seen with the naked eye. Natural Diamonds have tiny amounts of nitrogen, while Lab Grown Diamonds have no nitrogen. This is actually one of the signifiers gemologists use to identify if a diamond is lab grown or natural.

Are all diamonds serial numbered?

Most lab-produced diamonds have an inscribed serial number that can be seen under a microscope. Also, a good indicator is that man-made diamonds are flawless, while less than . 5 percent of natural diamonds are so classified.

Which diamond grade is the highest?

Flawless is the top grade in the GIA Clarity Grading System. Diamonds graded Flawless don't have visible inclusions or blemishes when examined under 10-power (10X) magnification by a skilled and experienced grader.

Which diamond is better E or F?

D is absolutely colorless. Very Rare. E has such minute traces of color that you absolutely will not be able to see it. F has a touch more color than, but you still won't be able to see the traces.

What does SI1 mean in diamonds?

"Slightly Included" (SI) is on the lower end of the range and has two subdivisions. SI1 has the fewest and smallest inclusions, while SI2 has more and larger inclusions. This doesn't mean that SI clarity diamonds are a poor choice. In fact, most SI1 clarity diamonds will look just as good as a higher clarity diamond.

What letter is a perfect diamond?

In the letter-grade diamond color scale, D (colorless) is the highest and best grade, and Z is the lowest. Diamond used to be graded like gemstones on a range that included AAA, AA, A, and B, so the new scale started at D to avoid confusion.

Do real diamonds have numbers on them?

Note that there will be a serial number on a diamond ring, which plays the role of its unique identification code. A serial number inscribed on a diamond ring will be marked in its GIA certificate, and this in turn, will be registered in the GIA records.

Can jewelers tell lab diamonds?

Professional jewelers and gemologists cannot tell the difference between a lab created diamond and a natural one just by looking at it with the naked eye. They will have to use a microscope to look for the tiny differences in its inclusions that indicate how it was formed.

How can you tell if a diamond is real with a mirror?

This involves taking the diamond and attempting to scratch a mirror. If it leaves a mark on the mirror, it's a real diamond. However, the quality of false stones like cubic zirconia and moissanite has increased, and many can pass this test due to their durability.

Do lab diamonds hold value?

But will lab grown diamonds hold value? Many claim that these synthetic diamonds hold little to no value on the market, but that's not the case at all! Just like mined diamonds, lab created diamonds hold a similar resale value and sell for a portion of the original sale price.

How can you tell if a diamond is worth anything?

Carat Weight, Clarity, Cut, & Color All Determine a Diamond's Value. As we have demonstrated, there are many factors that determine a diamond's value. Carat weight, cut, clarity, and color are all components that a skilled GIA grader uses when a diamond gets it's grade.

How can you tell a diamond from a cubic zirconia?

You will see that the diamond has white or silvery sparkles only. However, cubic zirconia will give out colourful sparkles such as red, yellow or blue. Another important differentiating feature between these two stones is that a diamond possesses sharp facets, whereas a zirconium does not have sharp facets.

Does a real diamond sparkle rainbow?

The way that diamonds reflect light is unique: the inside of a real diamond should sparkle gray and white while the outside should reflect a rainbow of colors onto other surfaces. A fake diamond, on the other hand, will have rainbow colors that you can see inside the diamond as well.

Which diamond color is better G or H?

For most diamond shapes, h color is a great stone to go for. It is versatile and luxuriant. Since both G & H diamonds fall in the same near colorless category, with G being the higher quality choice.

Which diamond color is better D or E?

Diamond color is typically graded on a scale descending from D, which means no hint of color, to Z, which means light yellow or light brown. An E color diamond is high on this scale, in a range described as “colorless” by gemologists which includes D, E and F colors.

Which diamond color is better H or I?

If you're buying a diamond under 1 carat, you might consider choosing an I, J, or K color diamond. Going over 1 carat? We recommend H color-grade diamonds or higher.

Is Costco diamond jewelry good?

Overall, Costco diamonds are of decent quality and offer great value, as long as they're GIA certified. You can find a ring for 50% less than at other big-name jewelry stores. But compared to online retailers, Costco cannot match their selections, customization, or service.