As if you don't know, buying high-end jewellery is confusing and stressful. We all feel nervous about comparing mined diamonds to lab-grown stones and industry buzzwords can send anyone running for the hills. At the end of the day, you want to make sure that what you are buying is actually worth a fortune.
Whether you are buying a diamond to propose with or you're finally splurging on a gorgeous lab-grown tennis necklace, it's important to know exactly what you are buying. We at Prism and Pearl believe that transparency is the most critical aspect of buying jewellery. You should never have to guess what you are actually buying!
This is where certification comes into play. Of the many types of certification, GRA certification is the universally accepted standard for lab-created stones and moissanite. So what does this certificate represent to you, the customer? This definitive guide will explore every facet of GRA certification and why it is necessary for the modern jewellery shopper to safeguard their investments.
Why Does GRA Certification Matter For Lab-Grown Jewellery?
It is a quality guarantee independent of the seller. A Global Gemological Research Academy (GRA) certification confirms the precise cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of the gem. This assures the buyer that what they are buying is authentic and will retain its value and provenance whilst remaining of a superior quality and brilliance.
What Is GRA Certification?
The first step in making a decision is to understand what an organisation grading a stone actually is.
Definition: GRA certification is a third-party grading report that comes from Global Gemological Research Academy that assesses the authenticity and physical characteristics of lab-grown gems, such as moissanite, based on the standards of the 4Cs: Carat, Colour, Cut, and Clarity.
In the same way that the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is known for its grades of mined diamonds, the GRA specialises in lab-grown diamonds. They employ sophisticated thermal testers, spectrometers and magnification equipment to test the diamonds before they ever make it into the display case of a jeweller's shop.
As an impartial third party, the testing facility has absolutely no financial stake in the sale of gold jewellery. By purchasing a great piece of jewellery, you are buying a tested and true product that cannot be falsely attributed. This certification of the moissanite provides the absolute specification of the gem to ensure you have the actual stone and not a simulant, such as cubic zirconia, glass, etc.
What Information Does A GRA Certificate Include?
You will receive a detailed report on the stone when you purchase the GIA-certified jewellery with the piece. Here are the contents of the reports:
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Report Number: This is a number assigned to your stone specifically. Most of the time the number will also be inscribed onto the girdle (outer edge) of the stone through a micro-laser.
- Shape & Cut: Specifies the shape and style of the cut of the stone (Round, Brilliant, Emerald, Pear etc.).
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Carat Weight: States the exact weight of the stone to the hundredth of a carat.
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Colour grade: Most lab-grown stones or moissanites will be given a letter scale that relates to their colour saturation. A "D" grading implies a completely colourless stone, and a "Z" grade shows visible yellow or brown hues, though typically only D-F grades are sought for premium jewellery.
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Clarity grade: Examines any internal flaws or blemishes to the external part of the stone; for example, "VVS1" or "VVS2" grades mean that no internal or external imperfections would be visible to the naked eye.
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Cut grade: Evaluates the overall brilliance of the stone; an "Excellent" grade implies there will be a lot of sparkle and fire.
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Polish & Symmetry: Additional details of how well the stone's facets meet.
- How Does GRA Certification Help Buyers?
Buying fine jewellery is both an emotional and a financial commitment. You want to be protected in various ways. The GRA certification does that.
- Firstly, it makes sure that you actually receive value for the money that you spend. As you know, from the naked eye it's impossible to discern between a VVS1 and a VS1 clarity stone. However, the cost difference can be enormous.
- Secondly, it helps with insurance. If at any point you'd like to get your jewellery insured against loss or theft, in Australia your insurance company would require an appraisal for your jewellery. With an accredited certificate, this provides all the specifications to confirm replacement cost.
- Finally, you have confirmation of ethical origin. One of the most prominent selling points of lab-grown jewellery in Australia is its conflict-free origin. This certification ensures you know that your diamond was formed within a controlled laboratory, with no question of its origin.
GRA Certification vs Uncertified Jewellery
When buying online, you'll be faced with certified and uncertified gems side-by-side. This will demonstrate precisely why certification is important:
| Feature | GRA Certified Jewellery | Uncertified Jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Guarantee | Independently verified by gemologists | Relies entirely on the seller's honesty |
| Resale & Insurance | Easily appraised and recognised by insurers | Very difficult to insure accurately |
| Stone Matching | Ensures uniform clarity and colour across pieces | High risk of visually mismatched stones |
| Authenticity | Confirmed lab-grown diamond or moissanite | Risk of receiving cheap glass or cubic zirconia |
| Laser Inscription | Often includes a traceable micro-inscription | Rarely features any traceable markings |
The uncertainty surrounding the decision of buying uncertified jewellery is not worth the risk. The stone may appear less cloudy and will not hold up long against wear and tear, not to mention you'll get no value for your investment.
Does GRA Certification Matter For A Lab Grown Tennis Necklace?
The simple answer to this is yes.
To understand how this is the case, one needs to understand how these particular pieces are created. A lab-grown tennis necklace involves a line of gemstones that circle all the way around the neck. A solitaire ring, while having one primary stone, does not have one single stone like a tennis necklace has. This type of necklace has dozens, if not over one hundred, stones that all line up.
For a necklace to look absolutely stunning and decadent, it needs to have every single stone matching. If 3 or 4 stones are not of the same quality colour or have not been cut to a high standard, you would see dark shadows appearing on the "river of light" surrounding your neck.
This is why a grad certificate is incredibly important. Prism and Pearl make their lab-grown tennis necklaces with the principle that every stone is a like-for-like, top-quality colour and clarity through their own strict grading process; it ensures the maker has not put a few high-quality stones in the front and used poor-quality stones behind.
How Australians Can Verify GRA Jewellery
If you have purchased a certified stone, it will be simple to prove its authenticity. GRA has an accessible world database and is available for anyone to view. Here's how to check your stone:
- Locate the Report Number
- Visit the Official GRA Website
- Enter Your Details
- Cross-Check the Information
- Check for Laser Inscriptions
Related Reading: What Are The Best Affordable Luxury Jewellery Pieces For Women?
Common Misconceptions About GRA Jewellery
Even though lab-created gems are increasing in popularity, there are still a few myths out there confusing potential purchasers. Let's debunk some common myths.
Myth 1: Lab-grown stones are fake.
This is utterly incorrect. Lab-grown and moissanite stones are genuine stones with chemical, optical, and physical attributes. They are just grown in an artificial setting to mimic what would happen if the earth did it itself.
Myth 2: Moissanite certification does not matter because it isn't a diamond.
Moissanite is a very precious and long-lasting stone that is actually more fire (colourful sparkle) than a natural diamond. Being a precious stone, moissanite certification is as crucial as diamond grading when purchasing in order to avoid a cheap replica.
Myth 3: Only massive stones need certificates.
Although tiny accent stones (pavé stones) are generally not certified independently, a major centre stone or valuable piece like a tennis necklace should be certified and come with a gemological report.
What To Look For When Buying A Diamond Tennis Necklace In Australia
Once you're ready to invest in a diamond tennis necklace in Australia, the stones themselves are only part of the equation. You also need to take into account how your necklace is constructed in order to have a piece that will last a lifetime.
Take the metal into account. Premium pieces will be made from pure gold, platinum, or the highest quality sterling silver with a platinum finish. At Prism and Pearl, our expertise lies in sterling silver and platinum finishes, which we use because of their sheer quality, durability and weight. If you wear sterling silver jewellery frequently, then we recommend reading How Do You Stop Sterling Silver Jewellery From Tarnishing?.
Second, look at the clasp. A tennis necklace is a significant expenditure and therefore must have a secure lock mechanism. Seek out a hidden box clasp with a safety catch. The necklace will then remain secured at your neck for as long as it is worn, through any circumstance or situation.
Last of all, think about your lifestyle. Australians live very active and varied lifestyles and so must wear a jewel that can keep up with their lifestyle. Whether it be walking through Melbourne CBD on a hectic business day, dining out at the Sydney Opera House for a theatrical production, or having a leisurely meal at South Bank, Brisbane, on the riverside, the tennis necklace is an exceptional choice of jewellery to add flair and elegance to your wardrobe.
Final Thoughts
Buying jewellery should be a fun, enjoyable experience. You are marking an achievement, embracing your individual style, or purchasing an item to treasure for many years. You should never have to be concerned about the originality of the stones you choose or the standard to which they are made.
The reassurance of GRA certification gives you this comfort. Your stones will be ethically sourced and expertly evaluated and will be of guaranteed quality and exceptional brilliance. From small, understated earrings that can be worn every day to eye-catching lab-grown tennis necklaces, make sure you purchase with certification.
Prism and Pearl is excited to present exquisite, GRA-certified moissanite and lab-grown stones; we hope you'll come explore our selections and discover a piece to make your daily glow shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GRA stand for in jewellery?
GRA, which stands for Global Gemological Research Academy, is an independent gemological laboratory. Their function is to examine and test the lab-grown diamonds and moissanite; grade the lab-grown diamonds and moissanite; and provide certificates indicating the grading of the cut, colour, clarity and carat weight of the stone.
Is a GRA certificate genuine?
A GRA certificate, in fact, is a legitimate and reputable certificate if it is from the official Global Gemological Research Academy. You can check if your certificate is authentic by typing your report number into the GRA official website database.
Can I insure a lab-grown tennis necklace?
Yes, it's simple to insure a lab-grown tennis necklace. Generally, a valuation from an appraisal or an independent grading certificate will be needed by insurance companies in Australia. Because you have provided a GRA certificate to your insurance company, the specification for the stones is readily available, and this makes the valuation easy.
How does moissanite compare to a lab-grown diamond?
Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are two wonderful hard stones. Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamond, which leads it to have more color fire and sparkle. Both stones are man-made, ethical and eco-friendly stones.
Why are some tennis necklaces so cheap?
A cheap tennis necklace typically has cubic zirconia or glass embedded into an inexpensive base metal like brass. These metals tarnish rapidly and their sparkle can wear off in a few months. A necklace with GRA-certified stones in sterling silver or gold, however, will keep shining for years.
