Learn more about diamonds: Diamonds Authenticity Certificates

The numbered authenticity certificate is the diamond's official identity card.

Example of certificate

Every gemstone is unique (not two pieces are alike) and responds to an unique combination of quality criteria (for diamonds, an unique combination of seven quality criteria). Whatever the origin of the diamond, the international quality standards are equal.

The « identity card » belonging to a specific stone, can not be interchanged with another. The certificate enables you to compare stones ; For example to compare two diamonds of the same weight, but of different qualities.

In the beginning only the large diamonds of superior quality were given a certificate. Because of increasing demand and the need of objective evaluation for the client, numbered certificates were handed out more and more starting from 1970.

It is presented as a printed form, on which all the characteristics, based on the seven criteria of examination of the diamond are specified : form, colour, clarity, symmetry and proportions, finish or polish and the degree of fluorescence. The diamonds are presented in a sealed envelope on which the number of the identity certificate is mentioned.

The certificates addressing to the quality of the stone are the result of thorough examaniation.
The value of the diamond is based on the 7 criteria of quality, that give the possibillity to jugde the diamands characteristics. A certificate does not automatically give value to the stone. A diamond evaluated by the same company selling it, makes the evaluation less objective. We advice you to avoid the « inhouse certificats ».

The certificate is only of value when the laboratory that has published it, is recognised worldwide by official organizations in the diamond industry.

All gemstones sold by the Private Diamond Club, are certified by one of the three mayor independant laboratories, recognised worldwide :

HRD ( Hoge Raad Voor Diamant )
Office : Antwerp ( Belgium )
Visit the website www.hrdantwerp.be

GIA ( Gemological Institute of America )
Offices : USA – Italy – Hong Kong –Japan – Korea – China - Thaïland – TaÏwan – United Kingdom  – Russia
Visit the website www.gia.edu

IGI ( International Gemmological Institute  )
offices : Antwerp ( Belgium ) – USA – Japan – India – Thaïland
visit the website www.igiworlwide.com

The costs of such a certificate vary from tens of euro’s plus an amount of euro’s based on the weight and type of the stone (diamond or coloured gemstone). It takes a few days to a few weeks to be completed.

A laser inscription with f.e. the number of the certificate on a given place on the precious stone is also possible, or the use of a few words, like « I love you » or « Love of my life ». Such an inscription cost a few hundred euro’s. The inscription is not visible by eye. A magnifying glass which enlarges 10 times is needed to read the inscription.