Kimberly Process Kimberly Process

The Kimberley Process is an international certification program that regulates the trade in rough diamonds. Its main objective is to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, while also protecting the legitimate trade in rough diamonds.

"As a result of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, diamonds are among the most monitored and audited of any natural resource in the world. This system has proven to be an essential and effective tool in combating the scourge of conflict diamonds”.

- Eli Izhakoff, Chairman World Diamond Council

More information: www.kimberleyprocess.com

Sample Certificate:

What Is A Diamond Certificate?

A diamond certificate, also known as a diamond grading report, is a professional evaluation of a diamond’s quality and unique characteristics. This certificate, or cert as it is often called in the diamond and jewelry industry, provides proof of a diamond’s identity. The best, most accurate diamond certificates are issued by independent accredited gem labs that were not involved in the purchase or sale of the diamond.

Every lab world wide use's it's own parameter's for the grading of a diamond and especially in it's certificate element's, Some of the key elements you’ll find in a standard diamond certificate include: a plotted diagram of the stone or a picture of it, listing all of its significant characteristics, such as shape, carat weight, color, clarity, exact measurements and proportions, imperfections, and the quality of the stone’s polish, symmetry and cut. The report also may contain comments about the presence or absence of fluorescence in the diamond, as well as its unique laser-inscribed identification number or other laser-inscribed information if present.

One of the most established reputable and highly respected gem labs in the industry, who grade and certify diamonds, is the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This laboratory has a longstanding history and reputation for strict, consistent, unbiased third-party diamond grading. However, there are many more different diamond grading labs around the world, such as HRD, IGI and EGL. Every country or region usually has a local known lab which is trusted by consumers. For example, one lab which is highly respected and used widely in China is NGTC.

Why do I Need a Diamond Certificate?

There are several reasons why you should purchase a diamond that comes with a certificate issued by a known independent gem laboratory like GIA or NGTC:

1.   While a certificate doesn’t state a monetary value for your diamond as an appraisal would, it gives you a tangible document that attests to the quality and authenticity of your stone.

2.   A certificate allows you to “comparison shop” to determine which diamond is a better value for you, based on its quality and unique characteristics.

3.   A certificate is used by appraisers to help gauge a stone’s replacement value for insurance purposes should it be lost, stolen or damaged.

4.   Certificate of a known world diamond lab, can give you an easy check over the internet for genuine verification of the certificate from its issuing lab site.

We at SJD are happy to help you check you're diamonds by giving you the link to the most popular diamond labs at the end of this page. And are encouraging you to check!


igiworldwide    eglinternational    hrdantwerp    gia    agslab

How to read a Diamond Certificate?

Name Description
Date: It shows the date the Diamond was examined by the lab and when the report was issued.
Report Number: A unique certificate identification number (also used for checking certificates on the internet).
Laser Inscription Registry: At the request of the customer, the diamond is micro laser inscribed with its unique inscription usually the Report Number.
Carat Weight: The weight of the diamond given in carats.
Color Grade: Assesses absence of color from colorless to light yellow or brown when compared to lab's Master Color Comparison Diamonds.
Clarity Grade: Assesses the relative absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (external characteristics). Clarity is graded on a relative scale from Flawless to Included based on size, position and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under magnification X 10.
Clarity Characteristics: Describes any internal and/or external characteristics, if present.
Finish: Finish grades represent the quality of the surface condition (polish) and the size, shape and placement of the facets including the evenness of the outline (symmetry).
Polish: The overall condition or smoothness of the diamond’s surface.
Symmetry: Exactness of the diamond’s outline and the shape, placement, and alignment of its facets.
Comments: It describes additional identifying characteristics or features that are otherwise not represented on the report.
Proportion Diagram: A graphic profile representation of the diamond’s actual proportions.
Security Features: To ensure integrity, the Laboratory reports include a suite of security components such as hologram, security screen and microprint lines in addition to several other proprietary security features.