September 25th, 2019

​You have just bought a diamond that is uncertified because you were told that it would be cheaper than getting one with a certificate. You have just taken a huge risk!
 
RISK #1: You may have actually bought a lab grown diamond and not a natural one as you had assumed and you may have paid way too much. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds grown in the laboratory and because they can keep growing them unlimitedly the value of the diamond is less than half the value of natural one even if it is accurately graded. It is impossible to discern a lab grown diamond from a natural one and you need very expensive testing equipment to verify it, which most jewelers would not have. Ethically, Lab Grown diamonds have to be disclosed at point of sale but unscrupulous seller will not do that. It is illegal to not disclose lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are readily  available, making it a huge risk buying uncerted diamonds. If you are dealing with a highly reputable jeweler they will work within a framework and a chain of legal responsibility to assure you that a diamond is natural in origin. However, buying from Craigslist or Ebay certainly creates a much greater risk.

​RISK #2: The diamond is natural but mis-graded, it is a much lower grade than you were told it was which makes it a much lower value. We have seen diamonds sold without certificates at the wholesale trade show at the Blaisedell that were 8 grades off of what they were sold as.
 
The actual grade of a diamond will determine its value and to feel confident with what you bought it is best to buy one that is certified. We would recommend GIA and AGS for natural diamonds and IGI for lab grown diamonds. Unfortunately all others should be viewed with a bit of suspicion as to its accuracy. The following story is an example of the problem.
 
Melissa walked into our store a while back and asked if we could grade her diamond. We did and it turned out to be 3 grades lower than what it was sold as. She told us that we were the third place that gave her a grading that was lower. She began to explain her situation. She had done enough research to know that GIA is an accurate grading company and had specifically asked for GIA graded stones to purchase. She was assured several times that the diamonds that she viewed were GIA graded. She bought one and when she went to pick up the mounted ring asked for the GIA certificate only to be told that there was none. She said that she had specifically asked for GIA graded diamonds and since this was not one can she have her money back. She was told no, that all sales were final.
 
She sent her diamond to GIA to get it graded and it came back three grades lower than what she bought it for. She then went to Consumer Affairs to find out if she could do anything about her circumstances. She was told that she does have a case but will have to take him to court. He wedding was just two months away and she did not have extra money to hire a lawyer or the time in case of not getting it resolved before her wedding and she did not want to be without a ring so she kept it. Suffice to say she was not happy. Not a way to spend one of the happiest days of your life!
 
As a knowledgeable professional I would NEVER ever buy and uncerted diamond from unknown sources. There is just too much risk in doing that.  We would not recommend purchasing any diamond that does not have a certificate. In other words if you do not want to be ripped off then rely only on GIA or AGS graded diamonds and IGI for lab grown diamonds. Also make sure that the diamond also matches the certificate, and find someone that can help you assess the cut of the diamond. Do this and you can enjoy and have peace of mind for your purchase.
 
These are the GIA, AGS and IGI certificates.