What is the GIA?

Over the past number of years, with the growth of diamond and jewelry sales, more and more people are becoming familiar with three letters: GIA.While these letters are becoming familiar to many of us, few know exactly what they stand for, or what exactly the entity known as GIA does.In asking someone who has been shopping for diamonds or jewelry what GIA is, you will often receive an answer that runs along the lines of, “they approved my diamond.”A knowing nod and perhaps a, “hmm, yes, yes,” often follows, as few want to concede that they actually have no clue as to what GIA is or does.

The Gemological Institute of America

That’'s right.GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America, and now you can proudly proclaim it to anyone who would bother to ask you.Of course, like most people, you would probably find yourself at a complete loss as to what they exactly do.One New York diamond manufacturer has called the GIA, “…the foremost lab in the industry, with regard to its integrity and the accuracy of its grading…” While this doesn’t exactly give us an in-depth look into the actual workings of the GIA, it does tell us that it is a lab that grades precious gems, such as diamonds.In their own words, “Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning.”

The Role of the GIA

The GIA, as a non-profit research center for diamonds and other precious gems, serves as a trusted name to certify, or give a standardized and measurable rating, to a diamond or other gem.This means that if you are looking for proof of a diamond’s quality, as most of us are not expert enough to verify on our own, a certification from the GIA is a good mark of quality to look for.More and more diamond and jewelry companies are realizing this as well, and are trying to offer at least a few GIA diamonds.There are even some companies who have made it their business model to solely offer GIA certified diamonds.The numbers from the GIA themselves back this up, with their diamond grading services increasing by a notable 22% in 2004.Now, when you are looking for a diamond, and you see those three little letters popping up, GIA, you can smile with the knowledge of one who knows an informative and helpful little secret.

Other articles of interest:

• GIA Certified Diamonds at Abazias Diamonds!
• The Magical Orlando Diamond
• Low Price Diamonds at Abazias Diamonds!
• Abazias.com
• G.I.A and AGS Certified Diamond Tutorial