Diamonds and Certifications

Know what you are buying Buying a diamond is an exciting process but can also be very confusing. Scientific and technological advances in the jewellery industry have made it possible for synthetic diamonds to be manufactured and laboratory-created (made by man). There are even some very good imitations - just know what you are buying. What is a diamond? A diamond is composed of pure carbon crystallised and is the hardest substance known. Only Mother Nature can make a natural diamond. A natural diamond is identified using only the single word, "diamond". Synthetic diamonds also known as Laboratory (LAB) Created Diamonds. Synthetic diamonds are NOT imitation diamonds. Synthetic means the product is made by man, in a laboratory, using the same chemical substance (pure carbon) found in natural diamonds. A synthetic diamond has the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond. It's cut like a natural diamond but a synthetic diamond is created by man, not by Mother Nature. Synthetic/Lab Created diamonds are less expensive than their counterparts. Don't be fooled by look-alikes or imitations. There are many varieties of diamond look-alikes or diamond imitations. These products are not diamonds. If you decide to buy a diamond simulant or a stone that closely resembles a natural diamond, but the stone is not a diamond, be sure you know what you are buying. It's easy to be fooled. Simulant, diamond simulant or simulated stone are imitations. A simulant or simulated stone IS NOT a diamond but rather an imitation man-made product that resembles a diamond. A diamond imitation should not be confused with a synthetic diamond which possess essentially the same physical, chemical and optical properties of a natural diamond. An imitation or diamond simulant can be made of glass, plastic or some other compound such as zirconia oxide, better known as CZ or cubic zirconia. Simulated/imitation stones are made by man and are usually very inexpensive to manufacture. Simulant/imitation stones should not be confused with synthetic diamonds.

Be aware that seller of imitation diamonds may use names that confuse consumers into believing that they are natural diamonds and not imitations. Remember if a stone is advertised as a diamond simulant or diamond alternative, it IS NOT a natural diamond nor is it a synthetic diamond. It is an imitation.

Be sure to ask if the stone you are buying is a natural diamond. Remember only a natural diamond can be identified using only the word "Diamond", no other description is needed.

Be wary when you see a name or word before or after the word "diamond". Example: Royal Diamond, Diamond Extraordinaire. Question the true identity of the stone. Ask the question "Is it a natural diamond?” The answer is a simple yes or no.

"The same as" or "Just like"

Don't be fooled into believing that one product is necessarily the same as or just like another. Natural diamonds are different that synthetic diamonds and diamond simulants such as CZ. Remember that simulants such as a CZ are not diamonds. While these products offer consumers options, it's so important to know what you're buying - ask questions and get the facts in writing.

Treatments to natural diamonds Treatment or enhancements to natural diamonds with the goal of improving the diamond's overall appearance are common. These treatments are acceptable and have their place in the jewellery world, provided the consumer understands if a particular diamond was treated and exactly what enhancement/treatment was performed on the diamond and why. Treated diamonds are a way for consumers to won lovely jewellery at affordable prices. Laser drilling: This treatment is done to reduce or eliminate dark "flaws" (inclusions) in natural diamonds. A laser beam is used to drill a narrow path to the flaw. This path looks like a fine white thread starting at the surface travelling to the inclusion. The effects of the laser treatment are permanent and the diamond does not need special care.

A laser-drilled diamond is an affordable alternative to paying more for a natural untreated diamond.

Remember that selling a laser-drilled diamond requires the seller to disclose and explain the treatment. Selling a laser drilled, treated diamond without proper disclosure is not an acceptable jewellery trade practice.

Fractured filled: This is another treatment to improve the appearance of a natural diamond. Surface cavities or fractures which reach or break the surface of a diamond, are filled with a substance (often times a type of epoxy or resin). This treatment does not remove the cavities or fractures but makes them appear less visible.

Fracture filling is not a permanent treatment since the heat of a jeweller's torch as well as ultrasonic cleaning can affect the filling used in the treatment. For example: the filling sometimes dries and therefore the cavities or fractures might reappear.

There are manufacturers of fracture filled diamonds offering a lifetime guarantee to restore the enhanced diamond to its initial beauty after it was first treated. Certain companies, through their retail vendors, offer this guarantee.

Created Moissantie: Moissanite, (chemical compositions: silicon carbide), is a laboratory-created, near-colourless jewel. While Moissanite closely looks like a natural diamond, it is not a diamond, synthetic diamond, brand of diamond nor is it marketed as a diamond substitute. Rather Moissanite is marketed as a unique jewel. However, some people do purchase it as a diamond alternative.

DIAMOND CERTIFICATIONS

What is grading?
A diamond grading report (as known as a diamond certification) comes first in the purchasing of a diamond. A diamond grading report gives an accurate assessment of the diamond and can be described as the diamond’s identity card. It can only be done before the diamond is set. It does not give any value for the diamond but is the main tool used to work out the value of the diamond according to the latest market prices.

Who can grade your diamond?
It should be produced by a qualified independent laboratory and be recognised both locally and internationally. Check that the laboratory is accredited or endorsed by the official local industry and follows accepted national and international rules, e.g. the International Diamond Council (IDC) rules.

What does a grading certificate include? The grading certificate should include: • A statement that the diamond is a natural diamond • A certificate number • The accurate carat weight • The shape and measurements • The colour and fluorescence grade • The clarity grade • The cut grade (not applicable on fancy shapes) • The plot to show where inclusions are located and the type of inclusion • Any applicable comments

Laser Inscription
Most internationally recognised laboratories will offer laser inscription services. Laser inscription is minute writing, not visible to the naked eye, applied on the girdle of the diamond. The main purpose is to be able to identify the diamond.

This will ensure that the diamond matches the certificate and will minimise the possibility of your diamond ever being switched. The safest laser is a cold laser system which is guaranteed not to damage the diamond and which has no effect on the purity.

Diamond Grading Laboratories

Australian Laboratories

International Laboratories