This month the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) expanded services associated with its Diamond Dossier diamond-grading report. The Diamond Dossier service now provides diamond grading for diamonds ranging from 0.15 to 1.99 carats. Previously, the Diamond Dossier was limited to diamonds up to 0.99 carat so this expansion will mean a larger number of diamonds in the 1.00 to 1.99 carat weight range will now have the GIA number laser inscribed, which is a feature of every diamond with a GIA Diamond Dossier.
While the laser inscription is a valuable feature for consumers, diamond shoppers need to be aware that there is no plot map of diamond characteristics with any of the Diamond Dossier reports. Diamond shoppers will have to rely on retailers and appraisers to examine the diamond under a microscope to assess the inclusions in terms of durability and visibility.
For example, feathers that cut across the pointed corners of princess-cut diamonds can be a hazard during the setting process with the result being a broken corner. Without the plot map showing the type and location of inclusions, the diamond shopper must rely on someone with a microscope and diamond experience to identify problems before they happen and hopefully before the purchase.
The GIA, like other laboratories, grades clarity based on viewing the diamond from the top. Sometimes inclusions are difficult to see with magnification from the top (higher clarity grades) but can be visible to the unaided eye when viewing the diamond from the side.
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