When shopping for a diamond or other gemstone, it is important to understand the different grading reports available. A grading report is a document that provides an objective assessment of the quality of a gemstone. This information can help you make an informed decision about your purchase.
There are two main types of gem grading reports:
Laboratory-issued grading reports: These reports are issued by independent laboratories that specialize in gemstone grading. The most well-known laboratories include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL).
Appraiser-issued grading reports: These reports are issued by appraisers who are trained to evaluate gemstones. Appraiser-issued reports are typically less detailed than laboratory-issued reports, but they can still be helpful in making a purchase decision.
What Do Gem Grading Reports Include?
Gem grading reports typically include the following information:
The type of gemstone: This information is important because different gemstones have different properties.
The carat weight: This is the weight of the gemstone in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams.
The color grade: This is a measure of the gemstone’s colorlessness. Colorless stones are the most valuable, while yellow or brown stones are less valuable.
The clarity grade: This is a measure of the gemstone’s inclusions. Inclusions are tiny imperfections that are visible under magnification.
The cut grade: This is a measure of the gemstone’s proportions and symmetry. A well-cut stone will reflect light evenly and sparkle brilliantly.
The polish grade: This is a measure of the gemstone’s surface finish. A high polish will make the stone appear more brilliant.
How to Use Gem Grading Reports
When comparing gem grading reports, it is important to pay attention to the following:
The laboratory that issued the report: Laboratory-issued reports are generally considered to be more reliable than appraiser-issued reports.
The grading criteria: Different laboratories use different grading criteria. Make sure you understand the grading criteria used by the laboratory that issued the report you are reading.
The overall grade: The overall grade is a summary of the gemstone’s color, clarity, cut, and polish grades. A higher overall grade indicates a higher quality gemstone.
Moissanite and diamond are both popular choices for engagement rings and other jewelry. However, there are some key differences between the two stones.
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone, while diamond is a natural gemstone. This means that moissanite is less expensive than diamond.
Moissanite is more brilliant than diamond. This is because moissanite has a higher refractive index, which means that it reflects light more efficiently.
Diamond is more durable than moissanite. This means that diamond is less likely to chip or scratch.
Conclusion
Gem grading reports can be a valuable tool for making an informed decision about your gemstone purchase. By understanding the information in the report, you can compare different gemstones and choose the one that is right for you.
In addition to the information in the grading report, it is also important to consider your personal preferences and budget when making a decision.
