tears of joy ltd. exclusively sells natural diamonds and natural gemstones accompanied by the highest-standard scientific reports, independently authorised by the institutes worldwide.
What is a Diamond or Gemstone Certificate
A certificate is an official, unbiased written document issued by the Gemological Institute of what ever certified institute the lab report is scientifically and thoroughly tested. It details a diamond’s or gems specific physical characteristics and quality grades based on the 4Cs, verifying its authenticity and preventing fraud. Key Information should always Include:
• The 4Cs: Carat weight, Colour grade, Clarity grade and Cut.
Additional factors to consider,
• Which Lab Institute issued the scientific lab report.
• If the diamond or gemstone is natural or lab grown: Variety.
• What kind of stone it is: Species.
• Lab Number: Lab NRB.
Some of the most common and highly recommended examples of issued Institute Lab Certificates globally:
GIA
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is widely regarded as the highest standard in the world for several key reasons:
Invention of the 4Cs: GIA invented the universal language for 4 C:s diamond grading, establishing the “International Grading Diamond Report”. Before this, the industry lacked standard terms. Strict Non- Profit Status: Operating as an independent, non-profit entity, the GIA’s grading standards are rooted in scientific research and education, free from retailer bias or market value influences.
Unwavering Consistency: The GIA uses rigorous protocols where multiple gemologists independently evaluate a single stone. The conservative and highly reproducible approach guarantees buyers get exactly what the report claims.
Global Trust & Resale: Because of this strict, unbiased reputation, a GIA grading diamond report is instantly recognised by jewellers, auction houses, and insurers across the globe, providing the best protection for a diamond’s long-term.
IGI
International Geo Institute (IGI) based in Antwerp, Belgium, IGI is the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory. They are widely
preferred and celebrated for pioneering detailed grading reports for lab-grown diamonds. IGI reports are exceptionally popular in Asia,
Europe, and major jewellery chains worldwide.
AGS
American Gem Society (AGS) often ranking just behind GIA, AGS is celebrated for its scientific approach and pioneering research. It introduced the first dedicated cut grade system. Instead of letter grades, AGS uses a 0–10 numerical scale (0 being flawless/ideal, 10 being the poorest).
HRD Antwerp
Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD) is the European authority for diamonds, heavily backed by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre.
Known for its rigorous analytical testing and strict standards, it is highly respected throughout Europe and the Middle East.
GCAL
Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL)
GCAL is known for its incredible stringency and highly detailed reporting, particularly in the United States. They offer a unique “zero tolerance” grading policy and provide comprehensive light performance analysis for diamonds.
SSEF
Swiss Gemological Institute (SSEF) Located in Basel, Switzerland, SSEF operates at the highest tier of the industry. While you will rarely see a standard diamond ring with a SSEF certificate, they are world- renowned for evaluating ultra-rare, high-value diamonds and exceptional coloured stones.
Gübelin
Gübelin Gem Lab based in Switzerland, Gübelin is a legendary institution with a focus on deep gemological research. Like SSEF, their certificates are a hallmark of prestige and are primarily sought after by auction houses, collectors, and investors of extremely rare diamonds.
EGL
European Gemological Lab (EGL/EGL USA) EGL historically played a major role in standardising diamond grading, particularly in pioneering reports for European-cut stones. Note: Ensure you are looking at specific reports issued by independent hubs like EGL USA, as the original EGL International suffered from reputation inconsistencies in the past.
AnchorCert
AnchorCert Gem Lab(AchorCert) Headquartered in the historic Birmingham Jewellery Quarter in the UK, AnchorCert is a highly trusted laboratory for independent grading, hallmarking, and analysis in the United Kingdom.
GSI
Gemological Science International (GSI) GSI is one of the largest gemological organisations in the world, providing grading services for major volume retailers and mass-market jewellery chains globally. They are well known for providing fast, technology-driven evaluation.
GFCO
Geafinco SA Swiss Gemological Laboratory (GFCO) GFCO primarily specialises in testing coloured gemstones and in addition, diamonds.