How to Read a GIA Diamond Grading Report
The GIA Diamond Grading Report includes an assessment of the 4Cs — Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight — along with a plotted diagram of clarity characteristics and a graphic representation of the diamond’s proportions.
Date
Date diamond was examined by GIA.
Report Number
Unique GIA report number registered in GIA’s global database.
Shape and Cutting Style
The outline of the diamond and the pattern of the facet arrangement.
Measurements
Diamond dimensions listed as minimum diameter, maximum diameter and depth.
Carat Weight
Weight given in carats, recorded to the nearest hundredth of a carat.
Color Grade
The absence of color ranging from colorless to light yellow or brown.
Clarity Grade
The relative absence of inclusions and blemishes visible under magnification.
Cut Grade
For standard round brilliant diamonds, cut grade incorporates face-up appearance, design and craftsmanship.
Polish
Smoothness of the diamond’s surface, assessed on a scale from Excellent to Poor.
Symmetry
Exactness of the diamond’s outline, shape, facet placement and alignment.
Fluorescence
Strength and color of the diamond when viewed under long-wave ultraviolet light.
Inscriptions
Any text, symbols, logos or report number inscribed on the diamond’s girdle.
Comments
Additional identifying characteristics or features not otherwise represented on the report.
Proportion Diagram
Graphic profile representation of the diamond’s actual proportions.
Plotted Diagram
Approximates the shape and cutting style of the diamond and shows clarity characteristics.
Key to Symbols
Lists the characteristics and symbols shown on the plotting diagram.
GIA Color Scale
Illustrates the GIA color grades and their relative positions in the grading system.
GIA Clarity Scale
Illustrates the GIA clarity grades and their relative positions in the grading system.
GIA Cut Scale
Illustrates the GIA cut grades and their relative position in the cut grading system.
Security Features
Includes security screens, watermark, barcode, hologram and other features to protect report integrity.
QR Code
A two-dimensional barcode that verifies report data against the GIA database.
