GIA diamond certification eliminates all the guesswork when it comes to buying and selling diamonds. The GIA, or Gemological Institute of America, is the world’s official authority on diamonds and all other precious stones. It is this very institution that established the International Diamond Grading System. The GIA is the original architect of the well-known 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat weight, the universal method by which diamonds are evaluated for quality today. It’s the same system that has been in place and used since the GIA's inception more than 70 years ago. The importance of GIA certification when it comes to buying or selling diamonds simply cannot be overstated. GIA certified diamonds have been assessed for the 4Cs, authenticated and endorsed by the diamond industry’s leading gemologists.

GIA certification of diamonds must be performed by a GIA certified gemologist who is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America. GIA Gemologists are specialists in diamond grading and will understand the intricacies of GIA certification. Reputable labs use state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate diamonds; to determine the characteristics and quality of diamonds using the gold standard – the GIA certification process.

A diamond that has not been GIA certified is subject to many different opinions about its appraised value. For example, you may have a diamond that has been unofficially graded by the jeweler you originally bought it from as a 1-carat diamond with G color and VS1 clarity. You could take that same diamond to several different jewelers and receive several different combinations of grades from the one given by the original jeweler. How do you know which one is accurate? How can you know the true value of your diamond when one diamond can receive several different gradings? The answer is simple. Get it GIA certified. When you make sure the diamond you are buying or selling is GIA certified, the stone's value is undeniably recognized in the international jewelry industry. Ralph Mueller & Associates is a GIA certified diamond buyer that has been buying used jewelry in the Phoenix area for nearly 30 years. To receive an honest, professional appraisal of your diamond jewelry, call (480) 949-9299 today.