Grading system

Nine - Step Grading Process

Our clients put their business in our hands and their trust in our expertise – and we are extremely careful with both.

From the moment a diamond is entrusted into our hands, until the moment it is returned back to the client, it is handled and assessed with the utmost care, security and expertise by our team of highly-trained gemologists and support staff. Using state of the art instruments and industry respected grading procedures, the FGL laboratory identifies, assesses and grades each diamond according to the strict standards to which we are committed.

1. REGISTRATION

As soon as a diamond is submitted to our laboratory, it is weighed and then assigned with an identification number. This identification number replaces all client information in order to ensure unbiased, objective grading. The client is provided with a receipt stating the identification number and weight of each diamond submitted.

2. IDENTIFICATION

Each diamond is screened in our laboratory and when necessary further tested by our analytical instruments and specialised equipment to confirm that the diamond is in fact an authentic, natural, untreated diamond.

3. WEIGHING AND MEASURING

The diamond’s measurements are established using a gemstone-specific optical measuring device, once the measuring process is completed then the same key measurements are printed on the diamond’s grading report.

4. CUT GRADING

There are five cut grades ranging from excellent/ideal to poor. The diamond is then visually examined to assess the quality of the polish and the optical symmetry. Excellent ideal cut diamonds may display a hearts and arrows pattern, which, upon request, can be shown on the report.

5. CLARITY GRADING

‏The diamond is analysed at 10X magnification by several expert gemmologists to determine the visibility of impurities within the stone. There are 10 clarity grades, ranging from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (Included3), based upon the position, size, contrast and number of images of the stone’s clarity characteristics

6. COLOR GRADING

Diamond color is graded in a standardized viewing environment. FGL gemologists analyze color in the D to Z color range with the diamond placed upside down, viewed through the side, to facilitate a neutral view. Color is graded using calibrated master color stones. The color grading process involves multiple graders submitting opinions independently.

7. FLUORESCENCE GRADING

Fluorescence is a measure of the diamond crystal’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) light. Around 35% of all diamonds emit fluorescence when subjected to UV light. If fluorescence is present, the strength and color of the fluorescence is recorded.

8. REPORT PRINTING & ISSUANCE

Diamond grading reports are printed on advanced security paper with no less than five security features. The diamond is weighed, verified as matching the report by central control, cleaned and prepared for return to its owner along with the new diamond grading report indicating all grading results, which is placed in a protective sleeve or binder.

9. DIGITAL REPORT

Once the diamond and report have left the diamond grading laboratory premises a digital copy of the report will be posted online. This report is accessible using the FGL Verify Your Report feature. The QR (Quick Response) code on the printed grading report can also be scanned by a QR code reader and will take the user to the corresponding grading report, posted online.

4Cs

GEMBLOG

GRADING SYSTEM