getting a ring appraised

When Do You Need a Diamond Grading Report or an Appraisal?

You decided to purchase a beautiful diamond ring from your local jewelry store and in the process you become quit savvy about the diamond 4C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat). So now you think you’re good— but! Now you want to get your beautiful diamond ring insured because, well life happens, right? So what kind of report do you get? You type in “GIA Graduate Gemologist near me” looking and now you learn about diamond grading reports and diamond ring appraisals. What’s the difference?

Loose diamonds

Loose diamonds

A Diamond grading report (sometimes referred to as a diamond grading certificate), is a detailed examination and description of your diamond. Like any other precious stone out there each diamond is uniquely different. Each diamonds’ unique characteristics are what make up their value. A diamond grading report will include the exact measurements and shape of your diamond and will also include your stone’s specific characteristics. Here at World Gemological Services we use the GIA Diamond Grading System, the industry standard. This report includes confirmation that your diamond is in fact a diamond. And will include your diamonds proportions, finish and Clarity, Color, Cut, and Carat weight.

Now is a diamond grading report the same as a diamond ring appraisal? Nope! Very different. Many people confused the two because they are both precise assessments but for different reasons.

A diamond ring appraisal (or diamond appraisal) is used to determine the current market value for your diamond ring. This value is determined by the quality and condition of your diamond along with the current market conditions. People often need a diamond ring appraisal for insurance purposes or as the result of a divorce or estate sell.

Whereas a diamond grading report is simply the detailed description of the diamond without any discussion about its value. These reports are often obtained by wholesalers or private dealers who want an objective, unbiased, third-party evaluation of a diamond.

The LUX Guide

The LUX Guide

The LUX Guide - Diamond Pricing

Another resource for determining market value for diamonds is the LUX Guide. The LUX Guide is a diamond pricing guide that comes in two editions, Consumer and Wholesale. This guide is a popular resource for jewelers and consumers to determine current market value for diamonds. They have print and online versions of their guide, learn more by visiting theluxguide.com.

No Report Can Certify

But keep in mind a diamond report does not guarantee or certify a diamonds value, nor any precious stone for that matter. And Luxury Watches can only be certified by their manufacturer. And a diamond ring appraisal is also not a guarantee of monetary value, given a changing market and other factors. However the appraisal will help you understand the potential value of your diamond.

At World Gemological Services we provide both a diamond grading report and diamond ring appraisal by GIA Graduate Gemologists. Contact us today for more!