You're a groom-to-be and you've just walked in to your local diamond shop, be it Zales, People's Jewelers or in the heart of the Diamond District in New York City. You've picked out a diamond engagement ring that you think looks spectacular. Does it have a grading certificate from the Gemological Institute of America? If not, is that a big deal? GroomGroove.com digs deeper into whether grooms need to buy rings with rocks that are "GIA-Certified".

What is the GIA?

The Gemological Institute of America is the world-renowned and not-for-profit gemological research institute, created to protect the public trust in gems. They train gemologists, educate consumers and provide grading reports for gems such as diamonds - maybe even the one you're planning on buying for your girlfriend. Yes - that's right, they're "Rock Raters". GIA provides an invaluable service in the unbiased rating of diamonds, as most grooms don't even know that there are four Cs! (And by the way, it's GIA that invented the whole concept of the 4Cs of cut, color, clarity and carat.)

What does GIA provide?

In the case of a groom-to-be buying a diamond engagement ring, GIA grades stones for each of the four Cs. Further, they will provide a precise diagram of where inclusions and clouds may be found (under a loupe, or otherwise) and an evaluation of how good the cut is, and if it is a natural diamond. All of this information is included on a diamond grading report, which is the purchaser's to keep (and not lose). If the stone is found to be anything other than a natural diamond (such as synthetic or treated), it will not be issued a Diamond Grading Report or Dossier. A sample report is available by clicking on the image to the left.

You'll notice that the report has addresses on the top right, not to mention other safeguards against counterfeiting. GIA reports are made only in New York or Carlsbad, California. Accordingly, you want the real deal - a report from GIA, not just an appraisal from someone who has undergone GIA training. article continues...
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