Diamond Authenticity
As a consumer, you would want to select the best diamond for your money, and therefore, you are now engaging in the process of comparing diamonds. You would want to compare diamonds 4C's against the quoted price to conclude what is the best diamond at the lowest price for your engagement ring.
The above is a logical process. However, in order to do so, you may be assuming that (1) all diamonds are graded consistently under the same quality system; and (2) you may be relying
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Not all Laboratory Reports are created equal and they are not comparable. ”Using the same color and clarity grading terms does not constitute adhering to the conditions or methodology of the GIA System.” G.I.A. |
on a document officially called Diamond Laboratory Report or “Certificate” (or Cert as they are nicknamed) which represent the 4C’s of the diamond in your consideration.
Since most diamonds are sold based on a Laboratory Report, 
consumers have been led to believe that a “Cert” is an absolute confirmation of the grades represented, trusting that all Laboratories are created equal. Therefore consumers would have faith in the consistency of grades of color, clarity and cut from diamond to diamond, or from laboratory report to laboratory report.
The fact in the diamond industry is that we recognize that some “Cert's” are not reliable and some others are coveted for their accuracy and consistency in their grades. Yes, there is a recognized hierarchy of laboratory reports. 
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Wholesale prices of diamonds are often discounted when accompanied by a certificate with less authority or when they have no independent Lab. Report. |
This point is critical to understand prices or values offered to you - the ultimate consumer of diamonds. We know that it would be so easy to assume that the set of known variables - color, clarity, cut and size - are true and reliable. Then, you would only have to worry about the price for a diamond. The reality of the market as we know it is quite different. To illustrate the point, let me offer the following example of two diamonds offered by two different jewelers:
At first look, you may conclude that Jeweler “A” is just more expensive since you may conclude that both diamonds are identical in their 4C’s. You may believe that the existence of a lab report as an absolute confirmation of the grades.
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Hypothetical Example |
Color |
Clarity |
Cut |
Weight |
Cert |
Price |
|
Diamond “A” |
G |
VS-1 |
Excellent |
1.00 |
GIA/AGS |
$6,400.00 |
|
Diamond “B” |
G |
VS-1 |
Excellent |
1.00 |
Lab with less Authority |
$3,250.00 |
However, if you physically compare both diamonds (something rarely done) you will see that diamond “A” is noticeable whiter than diamond “B”. And a closer look at the microscopy will expose far more inclusions inside diamond “B”. Now you can see that despite the presence of a Laboratory report indicating identical grades and weight, diamond “A” is superior than diamond “B” and that is reflected by the asking price.
We believe that customer usually pay right for what they are getting. That is despite what the “cert” indicate they are noticeable differences in quality and by a result, in the price. In this hypothetical example, if we have diamond “B” graded by the same quality Laboratory as in diamond “A”, the result would be like:
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Hypothetical Example |
Color |
Clarity |
Cut |
Weight |
Graded by: |
Price |
|
Diamond “B” |
I |
SI-1 |
Good |
1.00 |
GIA/AGS |
$3,250.00 |
|
Diamond “B” |
G |
VS-1 |
Excellent |
1.00 |
Lab with less Authority |
$3,250.00 |
Read about the AGS Grading System
Note: At Hannon Jewelers, we grade our own diamonds. Over the years, we have found discrepancies in most Laboratory's Diamond Certificates. However, we have found consistency and accuracy in the Diamond Reports offered by GIA and AGS. There are some others Diamond Laboratories we also endorse. Please contact us for more information.
