So you now know that you should only purchase your diamond with a recognised grading certificate. The question that gets asked next is "How do I know that the diamond I am looking at is the same one referred to in the certificate?"

I have seen many answer to this question online, most of them satisfactory, but very few of them complete.

The majority of responses recommend getting multiple independent certificates and appraisals. Either two grading certificates, a grading certificate and a valuation certificate, two grading certificates AND a valuation certificate. The combinations go on.

If a retailer is offering you multiple independent certificates and / or valuations, accept them but always ensure that you know where they come from and that they are independent.

Now, you have multiple documents stating the characteristics of the diamond. But the question still stands! "How do I know that the diamond I am looking at is the same one revered to in the certificates?"

There are really only two ways to confirm that the diamond matches the certificate.

The first method is to compare the diamond (under magnification) to the plotting on the grading certificate. All internationally recognized grading certificates should have a plotting of the stone. The plotting shows the diamonds internal flaws and external blemishes.

This method though, can be difficult to the untrained eye, depending on the clarity of the diamond.

The second method is to ensure that the diamonds you are looking at are laser inscribed.

"Laser inscription is the use of a very fine, precise laser beam to write a grading report number or customised personal message on the girdle (outside perimeter) of a diamond. The laser inscription is totally invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a magnifying loupe. If done with a cold laser, it does not change the colour or clarity grade of a diamond and is considered permanent as it can only be removed by a professional diamond cutter." DCLA Laser inscription service description

The permanent laser inscription enables you to check the authenticity of a diamond at any time. The inscription is usually easily visible under a 10x jewellers loupe.

The process for having a diamond laser inscribed further ensures this safeguard. Laboratories working to international standards will not simply inscribe any certificate number onto a diamond. The diamond must first pass a verification test to ensure that the grading certificate is authentic and the diamond matches the certificate. Only then will that certificate number be laser inscribed onto the diamond.

It is also important to note the difference between hot and cold lasers. Cold laser technology allows excellent control during inscription without damaging the diamond. Cold lasers are used by the GIA, HRD, AGS, DCLA. i.e. all the major international laboratories. Hot lasers are generally used during manufacturing. Low end hot lasers are sometimes used by retailers for branding purposes. These lasers can alter the quality or damage the stone.

Make sure that your stone has been cold lasered. This will assure that the stone has not been damaged since certification.

You can find more information about diamonds at http://www.gemex.com.au/.