Diamond Ratings and Grades

Diamond Certification

Trained gemologists with specialized equipment measure the weight and dimensions of the diamond and assess quality characteristics such as cut, color, and clarity. Brilliant Earth diamonds are independently verified for quality characteristics and origin. A diamond certificate or grading report provides an expert opinion on the quality of the diamond and is provided by an independent gemology lab. Brilliant Earth diamonds are certified by the world’s leading gem grading labs including GIA, IGI, HRD, and GCAL. Please contact us to request an electronic copy of a diamond's lab certificate.

What Factors Determine a Diamond's Quality?

Like snowflakes, no two diamonds are identical. Each has its own set of unique characteristics that professional cutters strive to draw out, maximizing the beauty of the stone. Each gem is held to a set of standards for cut, color, clarity, and carat– commonly referred to as the 4 Cs– that interact to determine the overall rating and diamond quality. The cut, color rating, clarity grade, and carat weight can help determine diamond quality, but there’s no “right answer” to how a diamond should look. Many people in the market for a breathtaking piece of jewelry are more than willing to prioritize one factor in favor of another.

How are Diamond Ratings and Grades Determined?

The Gemological Institute of America is the world leader in unbiased gem rating and grading. They set the industry standard for diamond quality, creating a scale for cut, color, clarity grade, and carat to act as a diamond quality guide for jewelers and appraisers.