Are you curious about the certification of GSI diamonds?
You’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore the Gem Science International laboratory and provide answers to questions such as:
- What types of diamond grading reports are available from GSI?
- Is a GSI diamond certificate considered reliable?
- What information is included in a GSI report?
GSI Certification
GSI Certification refers to the grading and certification process conducted by the Gemological Science International, which is a renowned grading authority for loose diamonds and engagement rings.
While there are many grading authorities for diamonds worldwide, GSI stands out as it is the only one established in the 21st century among the biggest grading labs in the diamond industry.
GSI is a popular grading lab among major brick and mortar retailers, such as Kay, Jared, and Zales, who receive significant discounts for purchasing GSI certified diamonds in bulk. Although the GSI process is quick, it is important to note that quality cannot be rushed, even with expert skills, which also applies to diamonds with GSI certification.
What Does a GSI Grading Report Contain?
A GSI Grading Report contains specific information about a diamond’s characteristics and quality. Gemological Science International provides three types of grading reports, which can be obtained in either printed or PDF format.
Natural Diamond Report
My natural diamond is accompanied by a GSI Grading Report, which is printed and bears the label “GSI report of Authenticity” at the top. The report provides vital information about the diamond’s features, such as its shape/cut grade (if applicable), clarity grade, color grade, and carat weight. Additionally, details about the diamond’s polish, symmetry, and measurements are also included.
If the ring setting includes other small diamonds, the report summarizes the details of these stones, such as their approximate carat weight and quantity. Furthermore, if the setting is a ring, the report indicates the carat metal used.
To enhance the diamond’s security, GSI inscribes the report number on its girdle, which is a great security feature.
Although the GSI report website shows more detailed sample reports, my GSI report only contains the information mentioned above, as well as the GemEx report.
Lab Grown Diamond Report
The GSI Lab Grown Diamond Report contains identical information as the first image in the Natural Diamond Report. However, the lab-grown diamond report is inscribed with “LAB GROWN GSI” and its report number on the diamond’s girdle.
In addition to the primary report, you will receive an extra document when purchasing a diamond, which includes a clarity plot, an enlarged photograph, a color scale, a clarity scale, and the same specifics as the second sheet found in the Natural Diamond Report.
Colored Stone Report
The Gemological Science International laboratory offers a third type of report known as the Full Gemstone Examination colored stone report. While colored stones refer to any colored gemstone, most certified colored gemstones are faceted.
The report features a photograph of your gemstone, its identification, weight, color, shape, and other relevant information about the stone.
Aside from the Full Gemstone Examination colored stone report, there are several other colored stone reports available that offer additional analysis. These include the IGX report, SGX report, and MGX report.
It is not uncommon for grading labs to offer multiple diamond reports for the same type of diamond. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) also follows this practice with their reports, such as the Diamond Dossier reports.
Should I Get a GSI report for my diamond?
After conducting extensive research on various jewelry sites, I do not recommend purchasing diamonds or engagement rings with GSI diamond certification. GSI reports are primarily designed for mall retail stores and may not be as commonly found online. Furthermore, these reports were not created with the consumer in mind, as GSI primarily works for diamond vendors.
I made the mistake of purchasing a Tolkowsky engagement ring with a GSI report before leaving Kay Jewelers. At the time, I believed I was buying the best brand in the store, and I had no knowledge about diamond certificates. Unfortunately, nobody taught me about them.
While my GSI diamond came with a GemEx report that analyzed the brilliance of the diamond’s fire, sparkle, and scintillation, this is not a grading report. While it can be interesting to learn about the white light and rainbow light in your diamond, it is not essential to the diamond-buying process.
Very few items in their inventory come with a diamond grading report, and as a result, they tend to avoid discussing them. The main problem with GSI-certified diamonds is their quality control and consistency. There have been reports of individuals purchasing a diamond certified by GSI and having it evaluated by another grading authority. To their dismay, the GSI diamond received a lower grade than what was stated on the certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions About GSI Certification
Below are some frequently asked questions about GSI diamond certification:
What is the importance of diamond certification?
In my view, purchasing certified diamonds is essential. The reason being that a certified diamond guarantees that you are receiving what you paid for. Whether you have researched the 4Cs of diamond or not, it is vital to ensure that you are not being deceived. A considerable number of diamond engagement rings sold at popular stores such as Kays, Zales, and Jared are unverified. This is because they stock mass-produced products.
RECOMMENDED: Zales vs. Kay Jewelers
At Kay’s, for instance, an engagement ring comes in a large jewelry bag from the home office, and the clarity grades vary. Initially, they did not indicate the grades on the tag, but they started doing so years ago. Would you feel cheated if you paid for a ring with purported diamond grades, only to discover that the grades are lower than you paid for? Most individuals would be disappointed, and that is where diamond certification comes in.
However, it is worth noting that not all grading authorities are the same, and this poses a challenge.
RECOMMENDED: Best Diamond Certification
Which diamond certification is considered the best?
When it comes to diamond certification, which certificate is considered the best? If you have read any of my other guides, you might already know that we only suggest purchasing certificates issued by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society (AGS). These two organizations are widely recognized as the top players in the jewelry industry, and their certifications are considered the gold standard.
However, it’s worth noting that AGS certificates are not as common as GIA certificates. Additionally, their diamond cut grade standards differ slightly from those of GIA certification. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for lab-grown diamonds, there are other reputable labs that are recommended.
RECOMMENDED: Certificates for Lab Grown Diamonds
Where can I purchase a reliable diamond grading certificate?
If you’re looking for a dependable diamond grading certificate, there are several places to consider. While many local and online retailers offer GIA certified diamonds, it is advisable to avoid big retail stores. Instead, you should try checking with a local jeweler or a family-owned jewelry store if you prefer shopping locally.
For GIA certified diamonds, buying online is recommended. With online retailers, you can compare hundreds of diamonds through 360˚ viewing and other features, which is not possible in any local store. Online retailers also offer competitive pricing, and one of the best places to purchase GIA certified diamonds is James Allen. Although they are part of the same company as the overpriced big-name stores, their selling model is much better.
If you’re in the market for GIA certified lab-grown diamonds, Brilliant Earth is a great option. Although the GIA has updated their lab diamond reports, not many people have them.
RECOMMENDED: Where to Buy GIA-Certified Diamonds