Argyle pink diamonds are known for being rare, elegant, and luxurious. They became more famous with the closure of the Argyle Mine, especially since they supply around 90% of the world’s pink diamonds, and there’s not enough supply nowadays.
However, one of the problems with the closure of the said mine is that there’s a higher possibility of encountering fake ones. This is when you should check the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certification. Whether you’re an Argyle pink diamond collector or just interested in buying some pink diamond jewellery, you should be aware of everything you need to know about the GIA certificate that comes with the Argyle pink diamonds.
In this article, we’ll discuss what GIA and IGI are about and their relation to Argyle pink diamonds.
What is the GIA Certificate?
GIA is a certificate from the most trusted authorities in the gemstone industry. The GIA is specifically from the US, while the Argyle Mine also has its own grading system.
These certificates are provided with each pink diamond that has undergone evaluation, specifically regarding the 4Cs (carat, cut, colour, and clarity), as well as detailed information about the characteristics of the pink diamonds. Some of the additional details include the laser inscription and the authenticity record.
Why are Argyle Pink Diamonds Special?
Argyle pink diamonds are unique in that they have a distinct grading system. If GIA is using terms such as Fancy Vivid, Fancy Intense, and Fancy Light, the Argyle grading system uses numbers, like 2PP, 4P, 6PR, and 3PC. Once the Argyle pink diamonds are evaluated, they’re being forwarded to the GIA for further evaluation based on the grading system.
You may also encounter the IGI (International Gemological Institute), but it’s rarely included in Argyle pink diamonds and is usually used for less expensive gemstones. You can also see IGI certificates in lab-grown diamonds, since they’re the more affordable option.
Why the GIA Certificate Matters?
Being known for having strict standards, GIA is a respected institution that focuses on grading natural diamonds, including Argyle pink diamonds. In addition, this certification is also known for being more expensive, but the cost and waiting time are worth it. However, for buyers, these things don’t matter much, but affect the jewellers more.
Here are some of the reasons why GIA certification matters:
1. Authenticity Verification
As mentioned, one of the things that separates GIA from IGI is that it focuses on natural diamonds. So, once you see that a pink diamond comes with the GIA certificate, it’s usually a sign that the diamond is naturally produced.
In addition, when the authenticity of the diamond has been verified, it’s easier to preserve its resale value, which makes it easier to be a potential investment. So, when looking into Argyle pink diamonds, don’t hesitate to check the GIA certification.
2. Global Recognition
GIA is recognisable worldwide and is well-known for its meticulous grading system, obtaining an independent appraisal from a professional gemologist and inspecting the laser inscription. So, whether you’re planning to invest in Argyle pink diamonds or buy some jewellery for yourself or your loved ones, it’s ideal to choose those with GIA certifications.
At the same time, don’t forget to ensure that the jeweller is reliable. In doing so, don’t hesitate to look for reviews and recommendations. You can try looking at online forums and groups, but you should also be careful.
3. Transparency in Quality
If the Argyle pink diamond comes with a GIA certificate, you can see the breakdown of the gem’s attributes without any bias. In addition, you can check if it’s ethically sourced and the detailed chain of custody.
In addition, as mentioned, Argyle comes with their own grading system, so it’s easy to identify whether it’s compatible with the certificate from the GIA, especially when it comes to identifying the secondary colour of pink diamonds.
4. Value Protection
If you’re a gem collector, having a GIA-certified Argyle pink diamond can provide confidence in the quality of the diamonds you have. In addition, it can serve as a protection against the fake or treated imitations that are starting to circulate worldwide.
Since Argyle pink diamonds are considered one of the most expensive gems, having a physical record of the authenticity of Argyle pink diamonds is a great investment security.
How to Verify a GIA Certificate?
Nowadays, certifications can easily be reproduced, but the GIA issues a unique report number for each diamond and gem it certifies. When you have a unique report number included in the GIA certificate, you can easily search it on their database, and check whether the information provided on the printed certificate is the same.
When verifying the authenticity of the GIA certificate, check the 4C, including the intensity classification, clarity enhancements, notes on polish and symmetry, and the laser inscription number.
Final Thoughts
Argyle pink diamonds are precious for many reasons. While they’re rare and expensive, they’re also a part of the memories that the Argyle Mine left when it closed. So, whether you’re a diamond collector, investor, or just someone who wants to have some diamonds for themselves as a gift, don’t hesitate to verify the GIA certificate that comes with the diamond.
