Back in the late 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) developed a grading system for diamonds. This system graded the gems based on specific parameters, including clarity, color, cut, and carat. These are universally referred to in the industry as the 4Cs. We all know that each and every diamond is unique; so, grading is necessary to measure the qualities and value of each diamond sold on the market.
In the early days of trading diamonds, owners had to get an appraisal before purchase. If the diamond was handed down, then a person would physically bring the jewel to a store for appraisal and determination of market value before putting up the stone for sale. However, today’s cutting-edge technologies allow grading to be performed in a laboratory for much greater accuracy from computer mapping of the stone’s qualities.
A public company formed in 1988 named Sarine is now the gold standard in this exciting, high-tech domain. Sarine’s diamond eGrading lab uses state-of-the-art AI-powered technologies to grade diamonds with a level of detail that extends well beyond the human-rated 4Cs used by traditional appraisers. The detail coverage is unparalleled by other rating systems, and the technology actually tracks the entire end-to-end journey of each diamond, from the mine to each artisan, all the way to the display case in a jewelry store.
The 4Cs for grading diamonds
GIA developed the 4Cs as the grading parameters used to determine the market value of the diamond. Following is a synopsis of the 4Cs:
- Color: Every single diamond in existence differs in color, which plays a significant role in valuation–even if all other physical properties were theoretically identical. A colorless diamond has the greatest value and is always highly sought-after.
- Clarity: This refers to the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes inside the diamond. Blemishes are surface scratches and nicks, whereas inclusions are internal imperfections. With all other factors being the same, the value of the diamond increases with the level of clarity.
- Cut: The diamond’s cut grading is based on seven criteria including brightness, fire, scintillation, weight ratio, durability, polish, and symmetry. The cut grading basically represents the quality angles, proportions, facets, and finishing details of the diamond.
- Carat: This is a metric used to measure the weight of a diamond. One carat is equivalent to 0.2g. And, of course, with all other factors being the same, the higher the number of carats, the greater the value of a diamond in the marketplace.
Sarine’s technology offers a level of accuracy that extends well beyond the 4Cs
Sarine’s system precisely measures all the 4Cs to the world’s highest tolerances, using its patented AI-based hardware and software system. The company’s eGrading technologies are highly reliable with an unparalleled accuracy. With these tools, buyers receive comprehensive information about their diamonds over and above the 4Cs. The extra parameters that Sarine provides include the following;
- Light Performance grading
- Diamond 3D imaging
- Diamond Journey Traceability with luster, Black in Table (BIT), Black in Crown, and (BIC)
These extra details will undoubtedly give prospective diamond customers confidence and peace-of-mind in what is often one of the most meaningful purchases in their lifetimes. But there’s a deeper aspect to what Sarine provides. Knowing the history and journey of a piece that preserves one’s legacy is part of a beautiful story that is passed down through generations to come.
Adding the human touch to the sales process
In addition to the certification of diamond attributes, Sarine furnishes the consumer with a digital eGrading report. This document is designed to be easily understand by the layman, so customers aren’t plunged into technical jargon and complex scientific terminology.
Included in the Sarine reports are 3D digital images that visually display all of the diamond’s attributes. Digital reports make it convenient for customers to share images with friends and family, and they are easily authenticated by Sarine’s database.
The value of Sarine’s services extends across the entire value chain. Scientific and historic documentation enhance the sales process for diamond and jewelry retailers. The emotive story of the diamond’s journey adds a human aspect to the prospective sale. Presenting data about a diamond in this way further enhances the shopping experience with an emotional dimension–which translates into more sales and customer satisfaction.
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