When first entering the world of diamonds, potential buyers learn the four C’s – a crucial lesson in understanding the way diamonds are graded. Truth is, while Cut, Clarity, Carat weight and Colour are integral components in determining a stone’s value, there is an equally important fifth C to consider, namely Certification.
How is a certified diamond a better choice? Well, would you buy a car without knowing the manufacturer? Would you employ a new staff member without checking their references? Certainly not!
A certified diamond has been scrutinised and pored over by gem experts to make sure every detail is disclosed to the owner, from the presence of fluorescence to the exact placement of inclusions.
When a stone is certified, an independent expert has vouched for its characteristics, making the stone a safer buy and far more desirable. But the true value of certification lies in who issued it. Since higher grades benefit the seller, independent gemological laboratories exist to grade diamonds completely outside of the retail trade. In other words, these institutions do not buy or sell diamonds—they provide only their unbiased expertise.
Yes, purchasing a certified diamond allows for great peace of mind, but not all certificates carry identical grading standards or global standing. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is universally regarded as the strict, premier gold standard in diamond grading, while other independent laboratories, such as the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), offer established alternative assessments. The key is knowing which authority evaluated your stone.
While independent laboratory verification involves a nominal fee, a stone accompanied by an internationally recognised certificate ensures complete transparency. Knowing your diamond’s quality is objectively verified protects its true value and offers complete peace of mind for an heirloom that will last a lifetime.
Here at Mark Solomon Jewellers, we carry the largest selection of certified diamonds under one roof in South Africa. Whether they are set in one of our exquisitely handmade pieces or part of our extensive collection of loose stones, our diamonds carry recognised GIA and EGL certifications.
So, when fine jewellery connoisseurs look for exceptional certified diamonds in Cape Town, Mark Solomon Jewellers is their chosen destination. Visit Mark Solomon Jewellers today for your obligation-free diamond viewing and design consultation. Your dream diamond is waiting for you.
