Engagement Rings and Certifications – Why bother?

Article by Brian Folger, January 13, 2009

Anyone who has ever spent any amount of time researching jewellery, and in particular, engagement rings will have come across some or all of the following acronyms; GIA, AGS, HRD, EGL etc. Who are these companies and what are they doing to your diamond? Why might you want to pay more for diamond rings with one of these certifications attached? Each of these acronyms refers to a gem laboratory which provides well-respected, standardized diamond certificates for loose diamonds or engagement rings or other jewellery with diamonds in the setting. On each certificate, your diamond is identified by various characteristics which give us the famous "Four C's” of diamonds; cut, clarity, carat weight, and colour. It is more complex than just four details however. A certificate will also include components of cut, such as angles and proportions, or components of clarity, such as inclusions and a plot of the locations of each.

The aim of providing these certificates is manifold. The value of the stone is established through the "Four C's" and the certificate backs up the price that is being asked. The certificate will also be used to identify the stone in the future and provides a security net against the stone being swapped for a lesser stone during cleaning or other procedures. For online purchases, the certificate will guarantee that you received the stone you paid for. It can also be used for insurance and appraisal purposes. Despites these benefits, many consumers would prefer not to have a certificate. They certainly increase the price of diamond engagement rings . Also many customers feel that they are buying from a reputable jeweller, who has been in business for many years and will stand behind their product, thus rendering them unnecessary. Therefore, it is perhaps best if the retailer offers a choice of both certified and non-certified diamond jewellery. For an example of such a retailer, and of the type of information offered on a certificate, try this company; http://www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk/ .

This jeweller offers both certified and non-certified rings and has a gemmologist on staff who can explain how the various components of the certificate would contribute to the beauty of the diamond in question. A gemmologist will also be able to explain the benefits of all aspects of your jewellery setting, whether it is the emeralds in a necklace or the sapphires in a bracelet. The issue of which certificate is preferable is certainly debatable but generally speaking, GIA certificates are the most well known and well regarded. This may be due in large part to their stricter standards of grading than other diamond laboratories. It is up to the consumer whether or not to choose diamond engagement rings with a certificate. What is more important for a man planning one of the biggest purchases he may ever make is that it is well-made by experienced craftsmen, exquisitely designed, and backed by a company with a reputation for excellence. The company should also provide a wide unique selection of splendid designs so that a couple can feel confident and proud of their purchase for a lifetime.