At Timothy Carr, we understand that purchasing a diamond is a significant investment and milestone in your life. That’s why we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every grown diamond center stone we sell through independent verification and grading by internationally recognized laboratories, such as GCAL and IGI.
Our diamond certification process involves an independent laboratory evaluating the diamond’s unique attributes, including cut, color, clarity, carat weight, polish, symmetry, and other key characteristics. Evaluators use high-precision microscopes and standardized scientific techniques to ensure accuracy and consistency. The laboratory then issues a formal report, grading each attribute in detail and providing a visual “map” of the diamond’s inclusions or “birthmarks.”
For added peace of mind, each of our center diamonds also features a unique identification number that is inscribed microscopically on the girdle of the stone. This laser inscription is invisible to the naked eye and has no impact on the beauty of the diamond. It serves as a VIN for your Timothy Carr diamond, guaranteeing that the stone you purchase is the same one on your finger for years to come. Having a diamond testing lab certificate also serves as proof of the diamond’s authenticity and can be used for insurance or resale purposes in the future.
We partner with several independent diamond certification laboratories, but our two most prominent partners are IGI and GCAL. IGI, founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, is internationally recognized for its expertise in evaluating both mined and grown diamonds. GCAL, founded in 2001 in New York City, is known for its Guaranteed Diamond Certifications, ensuring the assigned cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamonds they evaluate.
We understand that choosing the right diamond certification can be overwhelming, which is why we use both IGI and GCAL diamond grading processes in conjunction with one another to ensure meticulousness and prestige. At Timothy Carr, we have the experience and expertise to help you find the highest quality grown diamonds at a fraction of the price of mined diamonds, whether you’re searching for an engagement ring, wedding band, or any other type of diamond jewelry.
Thank you for choosing us to help celebrate the special moments in your life. We look forward to helping you find the perfect piece for you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
A diamond grading laboratory that is fully certified and independent assesses a diamond’s quality by analyzing its distinct characteristics, such as its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, polish, symmetry, and other significant features. To ensure precision and consistency, evaluators utilize high-precision microscopes and standardized scientific methods.
Once the evaluation is completed, the laboratory generates an official report that thoroughly grades each characteristic. Additionally, the report includes a detailed visual representation of the diamond, highlighting any inclusions or “birthmarks” that formed during its creation. Each diamond is assigned a unique identification number, and the report accompanies the diamond.
To provide extra assurance, the center diamonds we offer have a unique identification number microscopically inscribed on the girdle of the stone. This laser inscription is only visible under magnification and does not affect the certified diamond’s aesthetic appeal. As the inscription does not fade or wear off, it serves as a VIN (vehicle identification number) for your Timothy Carr grown diamond. This VIN guarantees that the diamond you purchase today will be the same one adorning your (or your loved one’s) finger for many years to come.
Although we collaborate with multiple independent diamond certification laboratories, our most notable partners are IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab). Both of these organizations are renowned for their expertise in evaluating both mined and grown diamonds, and employ some of the world’s top diamond graders.
IGI was established in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, which is a well-established hub for diamond trading and craftsmanship. The lab has pioneered several innovative approaches to diamond evaluation and provides training to some of the world’s leading gemologists. Click here to discover more about IGI’s contributions to the diamond certification and grading field.
GCAL diamond grading was founded in 2001 in New York City and has earned a reputation for offering Guaranteed Diamond Certifications. This signifies that they offer some of the finest diamond certifications available, guaranteeing the assigned cut, color, clarity grades, as well as carat weights of the diamonds they evaluate.
The certification and grading of diamonds can vary greatly, and it’s challenging to determine which system is unquestionably the “best.” This is why we utilize a combination of diamond grading from both IGI and GCAL, as well as other trusted partners. The diamonds graded by both IGI and GCAL are recognized for their meticulousness and prestige, making them highly reputable options.
When a diamond is certified by the Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL), it is considered a GCAL diamond. GCAL certification offers peace of mind, as it guarantees that your diamond has been precisely evaluated and graded for its cut, color, clarity, and weight.
IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute, which is another highly esteemed laboratory for diamond evaluation. IGI has been a leader in developing many of the most significant innovations in the diamond evaluation process and is currently the largest organization of its kind. Together with GCAL, these two diamond certification processes guarantee that every Timothy Carr center diamond is meticulously evaluated and graded by experts in the field.