Why are people obsessed with Diamond Grading Reports? Why shouldn't I buy a diamond online?

Diamonds are precious gemstones that form under very rare and extreme conditions approximately 100 miles beneath the Earth’s surface. Only a small percentage of diamonds are ever considered “gem quality” gemstones that will ever be worn in commercial jewelry. Those that do, go through a long journey (with many stops along the way) from their place below the Earth’s surface into a jewelry store passing through many hands/channels before they arrive in/on a consumer’s hands.

A Diamond Grading Report from the Gemological Institute of America accompanies many diamond purchases today. Often times consumers become obsessed with these grading reports, feeling as though this is their best/only means to compare diamonds from various sources. When buying a diamond, it is important to understand several things…

  • There is no substitute for an actual GIA Diamond Grading Report. Diamonds graded by a GIA Certified Graduate Gemologist or any other independent laboratory/appraiser are NOT the same as a diamond that has an official GIA Diamond Grading Report, see a sample report here
  • Diamond grades indicate a range, thus every “G” (near colorless) color, SI1(slightly included) clarity diamond is not the same.
  • Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut remain the four most important items when valuing a diamond and trying to understand its quality and beauty. However, there are several other characteristics, which can change the appearance and/or brilliance of a diamond (depth, measurements, girdle, location/size/nature of inclusions, etc.)
  • A diamond’s beauty can ONLY be seen in person, if you haven’t seen it with your own eyes you will never truly know how beautiful, brilliant, or “lively” a diamond is.
  • You aren’t buying the report, you’re buying the diamond…your loved one isn’t wearing the paper, they will wear the diamond! For this reason, focus on the diamond, not the paper!

As experts in the Diamond Industry we are happy to walk you through your diamond purchase, educating you about all of the intricacies and guiding you through what can otherwise be an overwhelming process. We welcome any questions and are happy to open up our extensive inventory to you whenever you are ready to make your most important purchase.