How to find the GIA inscription

[Ambrose]

Hi everyone, bought a 1.24 J VS1 from B2C with some help from the folks here. But me being the paranoid person I am decided to buy a loupe just to make extra sure the diamond was the right one. And that it was actually a diamond. The inclusions, if they’re there, are really hard to see, and try as I might I can’t see an inscription on the girdle even though the girdle is pretty clear in the loupe. The loupe I bought says 30x and 60x and I’m looking through the 60x lens. Any advice - I don’t want to have bought a dud.

 

[Mjay]

Hi everyone, bought a 1.24 J VS1 from B2C with some help from the folks here. But me being the paranoid person I am decided to buy a loupe just to make extra sure the diamond was the right one. And that it was actually a diamond. The inclusions, if they’re there, are really hard to see, and try as I might I can’t see an inscription on the girdle even though the girdle is pretty clear in the loupe. The loupe I bought says 30x and 60x and I’m looking through the 60x lens. Any advice - I don’t want to have bought a dud.

You should be able to see it with your loop. Keep looking around the girdle. When was it certed? You’re either missing it or it’s not there.

 

[headlight]

They can be difficult to see with a 10x loupe. I have not tried with a loupe of higher magnification than that. I know when I took the GIA Diamond Grading Lab, I just used the microscope to verify inscriptions because it was so much easier. I have tried to find the inscription on my own diamond with my 10x loupe and could not. I went back to the jeweler that sold it to me and they brought out a little mini-microscope of which that was even difficult for the gemologist that was helping me, but she could make out some of the numbers and that matched what my report said. If nothing else, you could take to a well-respected jeweler in your area or via referral of trusted friends/family and kindly ask if they would oblige you to find the inscription. Please note: Do not let them take the diamond from you. Alternatively, you could make an appt with an appraiser.

 

[MollyMalone]

Does the GIA report indicate the diamond is inscribed with the report number?

If it's a Diamond Grading Report - with the clarity plotting diagram -- GIA charges an additional fee to inscribe the diamond. Because the clarity plotting diagram is a means of identifying the stone, not everyone who asks for the Diamond Grading Report will spring for the additional inscription charge.

Because the cheaper Diamond Dossier Reports don't include the clarity plotting diagram, the laser inscription is standard on those stones.

Paying GIA's fee for a Diamond Origin Report, which costs roughly 25-30% more than a Diamond Grading Report for a diamond of the same carat weight, gets you both the clarity plotting diagram & the laser inscription on the diamond's girdle.

Handy chart here re the differences amongst the various GIA reports:

Compare D-to-Z Diamond Grading Reports

View a detailed chart comparing the features of the Diamond Grading Report, Diamond Origin Report, GIA Diamond Dossier, Diamond eReport and Diamond Focus Report.

www.gia.edu

Like @headlight, I've only been able to clearly see laser inscriptions on stones via a microscope. In my case, I'm guessing my severe astigmatism makes it hard for me to use a high-powered loupe.

 

[headlight]

@MollyMalone Great point you make... is if the stone is actually inscribed! I missed that part, just assuming it was

@Ambrose on your report, if from GIA, under "Additional Grading Information", it will say if the girdle has been inscribed, and what that inscription is. If it is an AGS report, it will be stated under "Comments".

No point searching for an inscription that isn't there!

 

[Rubymal]

I am able to barely make out the inscription on my diamond using my loupe. It is very difficult to see and can be easily missed.

 

[Ambrose]

There is an inscription! It was on the certificate. I did finally find it but I'm not sure I can make out the numbers. I might get it cleaned since it's kind of smudged from me handling it so much and look at the inscription then. Or maybe I'll be able to see it later if I look harder. Was going to propose this weekend but with everything going on I'm going to wait a little bit.

 

[MollyMalone]

I'm hoping that she'll soon be able to wear the ring -- it's such a lovely stone & setting! KUDOS to you and the B2C team (and the PSers who helped you make it happen)

 

[oldminer]

It is easier to use a 20x or 30x loupe if you don't have access to a microscope. In all cases, it is best to use light reflecting off the surface of the diamond to locate things on the surface, such as an inscription on the girdle. You don't want to back-light the diamond as if you are looking for an internal inclusion. Using reflected light will make finding the laser inscriptions easier. In a microscope, I often turn off the darkfield lighting for finding a girdle laser inscription and instead use overhead or fiber optic lighting from above the girdle. Occasionally, girdle inscriptions are partially hidden by prongs and many inscriptions are of very low relief and not easily seen even using the best techniques.

 

[Ambrose]

Was able to see the numbers by using a dark background and it's exactly the diamond I asked for! A load off my mind to be sure. Now to wait for the panic to blow over so I can find a good proposal time.