THE IMPORTANCE OF CERTIFICATION

What is the difference between a diamond certificate and a diamond report?

By certificate, we do not mean diamond report. Although the two terms are used interchangeably and both documents look alike, as well as contain some of the same data, they are far from the same. Here are the major differences between them:

A diamond certificate is a warranty; a diamond report is an opinion.

If you look closely at a diamond report, you will find a disclaimer of liability for errors and inaccuracies. From a legal standpoint, this means that the lab issuing the document refuses accountability for its work. A certificate, on the other hand, is a document for which the issuer accepts legal responsibility—and will make restitution for mistakes. Certificates are now the norm for high-value assets and collectibles such as coins, stamps and sports cards. But they remain an exception for gems. Always ask your jeweler for a certificate with guaranteed grading accuracy.

A diamond certificate is a tracking document that aids in recovery of stones if lost or stolen.

Like a passport or a driver’s license, a diamond certificate serves as an identification document—not merely a record of information. Using photo-imaging technology, a gem lab can take a distinctive light-emission portrait of any diamond that is digitized and stored in a database—as well as reproduced on a certificate. This portrait serves as a permanent ‘fingerprint’ that can be used to make a match if the stone is lost and later recovered. Further, this digital ‘fingerprint’ can be used to prove if another -- usually inferior -- stone has been substituted for yours by an unscrupulous retailer or repairman. No wonder a growing number of insurance companies offer premium discounts for ‘fingerprinted’ diamonds.