The Gemological Institute of America -- Consumer Information

During the 1940’s, GIA created the 4Cs system of judging a diamond: carat (weight – one carat is 200 milligrams), color (grading system, from D to Z, on the level of colorlessness in a white diamond – D is colorless, with no yellow tint), clarity (the amount of visible flaws in a natural diamond), and cut (grades the quality of the cut and its light performance). Both gemologists and consumers use this universal guide today.

Diamond certification through the Gemological Institute of America is recognized as the ultimate measure of excellent standards. A diamond is GIA certified using advanced scientific technology in testing and analyzing each stone, with the results generated in a diamond grading report. For a fee, GIA offers worldwide services to the consumer for the identification and grading of fine diamonds and gemstones. The stones can be shipped to a GIA laboratory, or hand-delivered to a drop-off facility. The organization’s website provides the customer with online tracking for the status of each order.

The following consumer services are available: grading reports for loose diamonds and colored diamonds, diamond dossiers, laser inscriptions, diamond type analysis, and report updates or grading rechecks. When a diamond is analyzed, it is tested for authenticity, and examined for any processes that may have altered the diamond’s natural condition, such as fracture filling (a technique where cracks in the diamond have been filled with glass), or HPHT treatment (high pressure/high temperature process that artificially changes the color of a diamond).

When buying fine gems, it is important for the consumer to have accurate information, become knowledgeable in jewelry trends, and discover the latest developments in gemstone enhancement. On the Gemological Institute of America website, consumers can review educational material, and find a GIA location for gem analysis. Through the expertise of the Gemological Institute of America laboratories, the consumer can confirm the type of gemstone purchased, its quality and attributes, and know the value of his or her investment.

Vicente Ross is a diamond connoisseur who has turned his passion for fine jewelry, diamonds and precious metals into a consumer based information portal. He travels the world acquiring information on famous diamonds, loose diamonds, Black Diamonds, antique jewelry and other fine jewelry and shares his finds and expertise on his information packed website http://DiamondExperts.biz

Source: http://DiamondExperts.biz