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Click below to speak to a Diamond Consultant or customer service.
1 888-658-6372
or
Live Chat8:00 am - 6:00 pm CST (Mon - Fri)
While GIA is the most popular certification in the world, EGL-USA is very popular in the United States, especially for diamonds under 1 carat. EGL certifications are less expensive for the seller to purchase, and are therefore more popular with retailers who must subsidize the cost of the certification within the cost of the diamond.
EGL-USA certifications are also popular among some consumers who are under the impression that EGL diamonds are, on average, less expensive than identically graded GIA diamonds. This impression is the result of comparing diamonds from each certification and concluding that when size, color, and clarity are held constant (for example, both diamonds are certified as 1.00 ct. Round H VS1, Excellent Cut), the EGL USA diamond is invariably less expensive. This conclusion is based on the false assumption that GIA and EGL USA grading standards are comparable. This assumption is encouraged by the fact that EGL USA has adopted GIA's grading terminology. However, while the terminology is identical, the implementation and standards are very different.
Because GIA and EGL apply different standards to the grading process, the resultant grades are very different as well. The two certificates show below are from the same diamond, which was submitted to both GIA and EGL USA for certification. While both labs substantially agree on the weight and physical proportions of the diamond (the objective measurements), they diverge significantly on the more subjective measurements of color and clarity. In fact, EGL USA certified the diamond a full three color grades higher than GIA.
This comparison clearly illustrates the pitfalls in comparing GIA and EGL USA diamonds. This is also why Lumera offers only GIA certified diamonds. Offering other certifications would encourage the mistaken assumption that the grading methodologies are comparable. In fact, when the differences in grading standards are taken into account, there is no price difference between EGL USA and GIA diamonds.
Many retailers have embraced EGL certification due to the inflated grading standard, in combination with lower certification prices. Because there are few regulations governing the certification process, it is up to each consumer to understand the differences in certification lab experience, reputation, consistency, and reliability, so that an informed decision can be made.
Questions about the certification process? Ask a diamond consultant for answers. A consultant will answer any questions you have, and if you like, search on your behalf for diamonds that match your criteria. chat online, or email consultant@lumeradiamonds.com.
Learn the terms by browsing the Glossary, or jump to the Diamond Buying Guide for tips on what and how to buy.
