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DIAMOND GRADING, GRADING REPORTS AND CUT GRADES
Diamond grading reports are invaluable documents that show in detail a diamond's credentials. They provide a unique fingerprint of a diamond which is a source of vital information to the trained gemologist, jeweler or consumer. A diamond Grading Report will contain a complete quality description of the diamond and will include information on shape, weight, clarity, fluorescence, color grade, measurements, and proportions and finish grade. It will also confirm to that the stone is indeed the genuine article. A Diamond Grading Report enables you to buy your diamond with confidence.
A diamond grading report, however, is only useful if it is reliable and has been issued by a reputable independent laboratory which has no financial interest in the stone. Purchasers can feel confident that their diamond is indeed of the quality Union Diamond represents. An independent gemological laboratory with skilled gemologists who use specialized equipment to measure and evaluate each diamond's particular characteristics and attributes. This information is provided in written form and is called a diamond grading report or diamond quality document (and is commonly referred to as a certificate).
There are several reputable independent grading laboratories; the best known is the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) Gem Trade Laboratory. The GIA is a non-profit organization whose functions include gemological education and research. Some other well-known laboratories include the American Gem Society (AGS) and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL). Most diamonds sold by Union Diamond come with a grading report from one of these laboratories.
A grading report also contains the stone's color grade. A diamond's color is evaluated by comparing it to the Gemological Institute of America's color scale, which is based on a set of diamonds of known color. Its grade is listed as a letter of the alphabet from D through Z, with D being the most colorless and having the highest value and Z being yellow in color and having the lowest value. It also lists the diamond's clarity, an evaluation of any natural blemishes or inclusions the stone may have inside or on its surface. The type and location of these blemishes determines the clarity grade, and therefore its value.
The carat weight of the diamond will also be listed on the grading report, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a carat (for example 1.05 ct, 0.95 ct, etc.) The diamond's measurements will also be indicated in millimeters. A grading report also includes a plot that "maps" the diamond's inclusions. These may be listed as "crystals", "feathers", "pinpoints", "naturals", "scratches" and "clouds" among others. Since each diamond is unique, the diagram acts like a fingerprint to identify that particular diamond. A diamond can be compared to its report by examining it under a 10-power loupe.
Not all laboratories grade a diamond's cut. You will, however, find information on its depth and table percentages, girdle thickness, as well as general comments on the stone's polish and symmetry. The AGS does provide an evaluation of a diamond's cut, listed on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being cut to 'ideal' proportions and 10 being cut to less-than-ideal. Other laboratories may list the cut as "Excellent", "Very Good", "Good", "Fair" or "Poor". Union Diamond also classifies a diamond by its cut. Union Diamond classifies cut within the following ranges; Select Ideal™, Premium, Very Good, Good and Fair. These cut grades represent Union Diamond's opinion at the time of sale only after review of certain characteristics, measurements and percentages. These opinions may change from time to time based on changes in grading techniques, equipment and interpretation.
By purchasing from Union Diamond, you fully understand that under no circumstances shall Union Diamond be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages of any kind, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), strict product liability or otherwise, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
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