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Is Gcal a good diamond certification?
A Review of Each Diamond Certification Lab: In short, we highly recommend GIA as the top lab and consider AGS, HRD, and GCAL as reliable labs as well. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is also improving its process for grading diamonds.
Is IGI certification as good as GIA?
While IGI is a reliable lab, it is still not as strong as GIA. It is also important to note that IGI is not as inconsistent in low grade diamonds as they are in high grade diamonds. Our top advice always would be to go for a GIA graded diamond. James Allen is one of the best online retailer for buying loose diamonds.
Which is better GIA or HRD?
Overall, they found the GIA the strictest in their grading standards and the HRD the fourth strictest. The HRD was ahead of only EGL Israel and EGL Hong Kong. Neither of those organizations are considered credible in the diamond industry.
Are Gcal diamonds real?
GCAL Authenticity Certificate A Certificate of Authenticity, issued by the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL), serves as verification of your diamond’s quality. All Blue Nile Signature Collection diamonds are certified by GCAL in addition to being graded by the GIA or AGSL.
Is EGL certification reliable?
From a standpoint of accuracy and consistency, the consensus of the experts is that EGL certification is not as reliable as diamond certification done by AGS or GIA. As a result, diamonds marketed with EGL reports are significantly discounted relative to diamonds with reports from AGS Laboratories (AGSL) and GIA.
What is the difference between GSI and GIA?
The industry generally expects GSI to grade diamond color one or two grades higher than the GIA. So if GSI designates a diamond’s color as G, the GIA may give it an H or I. To the naked eye, those distinctions are hard to tell apart, but sellers will charge a higher price if it’s given a G color instead of an H or I.
Is HRD a diamond certification?
The HRD grades and certifies diamonds in much the same way that the GIA and the IGI do. They rely on characteristics of diamonds, such as the 4 C’s (color, clarity, carat, and cut) to determine where on its scale each diamond belongs, and the grade it receives.
Is HRD Certificate reliable?
Founded in 1973 as Hoge Raad voor Diamant, HRD issues certificates for diamonds and gemstones primarily in Europe. Not generally regarded as a legitimate alternative in the United States, HRD still claims to be the authority for diamond grading in the world.
What is the difference between EGL and GIA certified diamonds?
When comparing EGL to GIA, GIA has higher standards and is more uniform in how they grade. In general, an EGL certified diamond compares to a GIA certified diamond of 3-4 grades lower (depending on the particular EGL lab). That’s why James Allen and Brian Gavin Diamonds don’t stock any diamonds certified by EGL.
What is the difference between IGI and GIA diamond grading?
IGI was stricter than GIA in 12 cases (e.g. IGI graded a diamond F, while GIA graded it E). IGI was looser in 7 cases (e.g. IGI graded a diamond G color, while GIA graded it H color). Both labs assigned the same grade in 10 cases.
What is the difference between Gia and GSI certifications?
With locations all over the world, GSI provides gemstone identification as well as grading and appraisal services in the fine jewelry industry. Overall, like EGL and IGI certifications, GSI is consistently looser in their grading than GIA. A GSI report shows the evaluation of a gemstone based on its structure and quality.
Are GSI certified diamonds worth buying?
The inconsistency and looseness in grading make a GSI certified diamond a risky purchase at best. Overall, we do not recommend buying a diamond that has a GSI certificate. We strongly encourage only buying diamonds that have a GIA or AGS certificate.