? GIA WHAT DOES IT MEAN? certified
SHOP SMART
T he GIA is the Gemological Institute of America. It is an independent non-profit that exists to protect the public from poor quality gemstones and other practices. This means that GIA certification is not done by the store or the supplier. It is genuinely independent. You can get a stone you own certified for a fee, which depends on the size, although it does require removing the stone from its mountings. Certification is demonstrated by inscribing the report number on the girdle. It is visible only with a loupe or microscope, so it does not affect the look of the stone. It can be buffed off, but not easily replicated. Certification means that the GIA has determined the color, quality, cut, and clarity of the stone. The report will also tell you whether the stone is natural or synthetic. They cannot always grade the cut, as they only provide grades for standard, round brilliant diamonds. They will also grade and identify colored stones and pearls.
46 RUMMELE’S JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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