I came across this video the other day – got a kick out of hearing guys trying to list the 4Cs and thought you all would probably enjoy it too. You can find GIA videos on YouTube, Metacafe, and a handful of other video hosting sites. Or I’ll just keep posting them here!
So what’s in a diamond grading report from G.I.A? Read below for info:
GIA’s International Diamond Grading System, along with GIA’s 4Cs of diamond grading, are used to deliver a comprehensive analysis of quality for diamonds in the D-to-Z color range, detailing shape, color, cutting quality, measurement, weight, proportions, finish and clarity. Grading reports also contain important info. on any sort of treatments detected during the grading process.
While other labs issue similar reports, the GIA Diamond Grading Report has rightfully earned the reputation for unrivaled accuracy and integrity. I will never purchase a diamond piece of jewelry without an accompanying report – there’s nothing else out there that can give you such solid assurance that you’re getting what you’re paying for. To really drive the point home, GIA again, is a no-profit – it’s not affiliated with ANY commercial enterprise, so their goals are altruistic.
Happy shopping! And a Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
It’s about time that I start discussing some of the other facets of a ring that make it so special! I want to discuss with you what is probably the most focused on part of a ring, and most pieces of jewelry out there: the gem stone.
I bought my wife a platinum and diamond engagement ring, and amongst some of the things I came across in my research and discussions with friends, is how important it is to get your gem graded. Now, knowing that much is helpful, but still vague. When I went to find out where to get my wife’s diamond certified, I was flooded with different options – which left me confused and frustrated as to what sources were the most reliable to go to. By sheer luck, I had discussed my wife’s engagement ring with one of my recently married buddies… He told me that what’s frustrating about the grading process is not the number of options of where to go, but the facade that there are numerous options when there is in reality, only one.
Turns out GIA (the Gemological Institute of America) is a non-profit; essentially doing what the Government would otherwise have to do, if GIA did not. They are therefore, unbiased, trustworthy and reliable for rating your gems according to standardized ratings, and doing so for everyone with the public’s interest in mind. Going through GIA gives you a true third party evaluation dedicated solely to scientific validity, NOT commercial interests.
GIA created the 4C’s for crying out loud! How many of you guys out there who have researched rings online have come across infinite discussions about the “4 C’s”?? I couldn’t even believe my eyes when I first saw that they were the creators of this standard that had laid out my own standards for picking out the ideal engagement ring.
I found this video after searching around a bit for it – you can get more info on GIA directly at their site, of course. In the meantime however, feel free to take a look at this video for a really interesting briefing on the institute and how ratings work. It was helpful for me to watch to understand how ratings work and why they’re important to get from “the” reliable source:
