Impeccable origin
DIAMOND GRADING
Our in-house process ensures precision unmatched by traditional labs
WE HAVE A BILLION DATA POINTS PER CARAT
Unlike third parties, we grow each diamond from the first atom in our zero-emission foundry. We have one billion data points per carat at our fingertips that enables us to grade objectively.
WHAT SETS US APART
Although the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are considered prominent organizations in the diamond industry, they do not certify — they only grade and issue lab reports. There are also several issues surrounding their grading systems, including inconsistencies, influence on market value, subjectivity, and lack of consumer transparency. This is why VRAI uses state-of-the-art equipment and has trained in-house gemologists for diamond grading and certification.
Grading agencies receive a diamond with no context or other input and must detect inclusions and various degrees of color with only the help of a microscope. Inconsistencies happen — which is why even the most celebrated grading agencies offer no guarantee on their grades. VRAI created diamond certifications, however, are backed by a lifetime warranty and value guarantee.
A major concern with third-party diamond grading is inconsistency. Even within the same organization, different graders remain subjective and may assess diamonds slightly differently. VRAI has tested many of the leading grading laboratories and found great variations between their results, including different results for the same diamond.
As the diamond industry is global, the practices and standards of grading can vary from one region to another. Although third-party labs may strive to maintain global consistency, differences in training, equipment, and local market preferences can influence grading outcomes.
Discover the unmatched origin and cut of VRAI created diamonds
DIAMOND GRADING FAQs
The GIA created an almost universally adopted set of standards referred to as grading scales or grading charts. These scales determine the quality of each of the 4Cs and directly influence a diamond’s value.
To evaluate the quality of a diamond’s cut, a trained gemologist uses diamond grading. They assess how light enters and exits each diamond to determine its cut grade. VRAI created diamonds are cut to perfection by our expert craftspeople to achieve maximum brilliance and proudly backed by our Lifetime Warranty and our Diamond Value Guarantee.
Color actually refers to the absence of color. The closer to colorless a white diamond is, the more valuable it becomes. Color is graded on a scale from D-Z (A, B, and C were used before GIA standards were set and are considered outdated). D- F diamonds are graded as colorless and G-J are near colorless.
Clarity refers to the visual purity of a diamond. It is determined by the number of inclusions and blemishes — marks that naturally occur during a diamond’s growth, often invisible to the naked eye. Clarity is graded from Flawless to Included.
Carat is the most objective C to determine as it refers to a diamond’s weight. A carat is defined as 200 milligram and is divided into 100 “points.” These points mean that your diamond weight is measured to the hundredth decimal place.
A carat weight size indication scale estimates a diamond’s size based on its carat weight. But certain diamond shapes, like Oval or Marquise, appear larger than other shapes with the same carat weight.
A diamond grading report is an assessment of a diamond’s quality based on the 4Cs. It is usually provided by a gemologist or a third-party laboratory such as GIA or IGI.
A diamond certificate records a diamond’s grade as well as other pertinent information, such as a diamond’s origin and the diamond warranty.
VRAI's diamond certificate provides the same information as a third-party laboratory report, but also offers a Certified Carbon Neutral® Stamp along with our Lifetime Warranty and Diamond Value Guarantee.
We are happy to send your diamond to IGI for grading. There is a non-refundable fee to do so. Please allow 2-3 weeks for processing. Once we receive the diamond back from IGI, we can proceed with the production of your design.
Please keep in mind, while IGI is seen as the industry leader in grading lab grown diamonds, the process is still a subjective science, and it is possible to have two gemologists have a difference of opinion when it comes to assigning a color or clarity grade. Color is assessed by looking through the pavilion of the diamond while it is face down using master stones to guide the gemologist. It is not uncommon for there to be a slight variation in the final grade allocated. Clarity is graded using 10x magnification either with a loupe or microscope. The clarity grade is based on a number of factors including the type, size, color, and location of the natural inclusion(s).