Certified Diamonds

Mariloff diamonds are graded by European Gemological Laboratory (EGL Certified Diamonds), an independent gem laboratory.

Why EGL?
We selected EGL based on a number of reasons, the first being the diversity of experts that they employ. Before each gem is certified by EGL, it goes through the hands of a minimum of eight professionals. Four of the eight are trained gemologists. It takes no fewer than five graders just to grade the color and clarity of each gemstone.

The diamond certificate
A diamond certificate contains straight forward information about your diamond. It does not tell you the price of the diamond. It will, however, identify key characteristics that affect the brilliance of the diamond such as cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

Certificate Number – Each gemstone is given a unique certificate number. US means the gem was certified in the United States; CA means it was certified in Canada. If you would like to verify your certificate, visit www.eglusa.com .

Weight Weight is measured in carats. This is the international standard. One carat weighs .20 gram.

Shape and cut Shape refers to the literal shape of the diamond itself. Common shapes include: Round, Emerald, Heart, Marquise, Oval, Pear, Princess and Radiant. Cut refers to the way the facets are cut. Brilliant-cut diamonds have triangular facets. Step-cut diamonds have rectangular facets.

Measurements Stated in millimeters. The three numbers listed are Maximum x Minimum x Depth for a round-cut diamond and Length x Width x Depth for a fancy-shaped diamond.

Points Diamonds are usually discussed in points. Example: 1 point = .01ct.; 50 points = .50ct.; 100 points = 1.00ct.

Proportions The characteristics that comprise cut. Cut influences the sparkle of a diamond.

Depth Depth Percentage is a comparison of the depth of a diamond to the width of a diamond.

Table Table Percentage is a comparison of the table facet to the width of the diamond.

Crown Crown Percentage is the comparison of the height of the crown to the depth of the diamond.

Pavilion Pavilion Percentage is the comparison of the height of the pavilion to the total depth of the diamond.

Girdle Girdle refers to the narrow band circling the widest part of the diamond. Girdles range from extremely thin to extremely thick and are either faceted, polished or unpolished.

Culet The culet is the facet located on the pointed tip of the diamond. Culets range in size from very small to very large. If a diamond does not have a faceted tip, the word NONE will appear on the certificate.

Polish Polish refers to the quality of the surface of the facets. Polish Grades include: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent.

Symmetry Symmetry refers to the overall symmetrical shape of the diamond. Symmetry ratings include: Poor, Fair, Good, Very Good and Excellent.

Clarity Grade Clarity grades are assigned based on the number of inclusions and blemishes in and on the diamond that can be detected with 10x magnification.

Color Grade Ungraded diamonds are carefully compared to a master set of diamonds with known color grades. EGL standards require two color graders plus a final grader to agree upon the color of the diamond before a color grade is assigned.

Flourescence EGL rates flourescence on a scale from NONE to VERY STRONG. Flourescence refers to the visible light a diamond emits while under an ultraviolet light. Most often, the light emitted is blue, but other hues are possible. If flourescence is rated higher than FAINT and the color is one other than blue, it will be noted on the certificate.