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The Difference in Diamond Certifications

A GIA Certification vs. An EGL Certification

Our goal was to show the difference between diamond grading companies to better explain to our customers the importance of a diamond being GIA certified.
 
For our experiment, we took an uncertified diamond and sent it to be graded at EGL. After we received the certification from EGL, we sent the same diamond to GIA to be graded. We did not share any grading information with either of the companies. You can view the results from both of the companies in the chart below. Below the chart we have explained why these difference matter and the effect they have on the diamond and it's value.

 

 

Grading Criteria

 

 

GIA Certification

(view certification)

 

EGL Certification

(view certification)
Shape & Cutting Style Round Brilliant Round Brilliant
Measurements 6.76 - 6.77 x 4.21mm 6.76 - 6.75 x 4.21 mm
Carat Weight 1.21 carat 1.21 Ct.
Color Grade M H
Clarity Grade SI1 VS2
Cut Grade Very Good Excellent
Polish Very Good Excellent
Symmetry Excellent Excellent
Fluorescence Faint None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What these differences mean for the diamond:

Color Grade: There is a large difference between an H and M color grade. H is in the near colorless range and is much more desirable than a diamond with an M color, which is in the Faint color range. A diamond in the Faint color range will show much more yellow than white, making it less desirable. (view the diamond grading color scale)

Clarity Grade: According to GIA, the premier diamond grader and creators of the diamond grading system, the inclusions in a VS2 clarity diamond are minor and range from difficult to somewhat easy for a skilled grader to see under a 10x magnification. No inclusions will be seen with the naked eye. In an SI1 clarity diamond, inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader under 10x magnification, and in most cases, will not be noticeable with the naked eye.
 

Cut Grade: This may be the most important of the 4C’s. The cut of a diamond determines the amount of sparkle the stone will have by using three attributes: brilliance, fire, and scintillation. These attributes are used to determine the total light reflected from the diamond, the dispersion of light into the colors of the spectrum, and the flashes of light when a diamond is moved. If a diamond is cut poorly there will be no sparkle, and no one wants a diamond without sparkle!

Fluorescence: Diamond fluorescence is the effect that ultraviolet light has on a diamond. If a diamond has fluorescence a visible light, most commonly blue, is sometimes seen when viewed under an ultraviolet light. Fluorescence is not always a negative quality to have in a diamond. This effect can make a diamond appear to be whiter than its color grade. On the negative side, a strong fluorescence can cause the diamond to be milky or hazy.