4Cs Diamonds - London

The proportions and symmetry are written on the certificate and can range from poor to excellent. 4Cs Diamonds highly recommends that you purchase your diamond with a certificate issued by a reputable gemmological laboratory.

4Cs Diamonds sells diamonds with certificates issued by the following grading laboratories:

1. GIA (Gemmological Institute of America). This is probably the best known of the diamond grading labs. Diamonds of up to one carat have a laser inscription on the girdle corresponding to the certificate number ensuring added security in the event you have to prove that it is your stone. Diamonds of over one carat have a full certificate with a "map" of the diamond showing the position and type of inclusions present.

2. HRD (Diamond High Council - Antwerp, Belgium). Diamonds graded by the HRD are on a par with the GIA. They are not as well known in the USA but here in Europe they are well represented.

3. BGI (British Gemmological Institute). 4Cs Diamonds uses the BGI to grade stones we have purchased without a certificate. Situated in London they provide a fast and reliable service and the grading is first rate.

4. Other lesser known laboratories include the EGL (European Gem Lab), and IGI (International Gemmological Institute).