While GIA can’t recommend an individual appraiser, there are several appraisal associations and networks that can help you locate one in your area. These are national associations that have members all over the country, and many require that their appraisers have a Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma from GIA in addition to supplemental appraisal training.

The effect of the lighting environment was well understood by jewelers in the late 1800s. Minimal grading standards at the time included  “good north light unobstructed by buildings or other objects”, grading between the hours of 10am and 2pm only, no use of artificial light, and use of the same location for grading (amongst others that are less important to this story). 

When men and women really start looking into diamond grading, a common question is, “Why does the GIA color grade start with a D?”

Synthetic diamonds are grown in a laboratory and have essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds formed millions of years ago. In the last 30 years, gem quality synthetic diamonds have been grown in Japan, South Africa, Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Synthetic diamonds are generally produced using either High Pressure/High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).

Purchasing a diamond is a big step and finding the right one can be pretty intimidating. However, it doesn’t have to be. Before you make your purchase of a lifetime, make sure to ask the following 5 questions to your jeweler.

When your guy gets down on one knee and pops the question, you know what you want to see inside that little box. But does he? When it comes to engagement rings, even the most well-intentioned soon-to-be fiancé can use a little help. That’s where you come in—read on for 5 easy tips to getting the diamond you’ve always dreamed of.