Types of Certificate Fraud
1. Completely Fake Certificates
Fraudulent documents created to look like legitimate GIA, IGI, or other lab reports. They may use similar logos, layouts, and terminology but are entirely fabricated.
Red Flag: Certificate numbers that don't exist in the lab's database
2. Altered Certificates
Genuine certificates that have been digitally modified to upgrade the diamond's grades. A real I-color diamond might be shown as D-color on a doctored certificate.
Red Flag: Certificate details don't match the online database record
3. Certificate Switching
A legitimate certificate from a high-quality diamond is paired with a lower-quality stone. The certificate is real, but it doesn't belong to the diamond you're buying.
Red Flag: Certificate measurements don't match the actual stone
4. "In-House" Certificates
Certificates issued by the jewelry store itself or unknown labs with no industry recognition. These often have inflated grades and no independent verification possible.
Red Flag: Certificates from labs you can't find online or verify
Trusted Certification Labs
Only accept certificates from internationally recognized gemological laboratories:
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
IGI
International Gemological Institute
HRD
Hoge Raad voor Diamant
AGS
American Gem Society
How to Verify a Diamond Certificate
- 1
Find the certificate number
Every legitimate certificate has a unique report number printed on it.
- 2
Go directly to the lab's website
Type the URL yourself—don't click links provided by the seller.
- 3
Enter the certificate number
Use the lab's online verification tool to look up the report.
- 4
Compare every detail
Check that all grades, measurements, and characteristics match exactly.
- 5
Verify the stone matches the certificate
Use a jeweler's loupe or ask for professional measurement of the actual diamond's dimensions.
The Importance of Laser Inscription
GIA and other major labs laser-inscribe the certificate number on the diamond's girdle (edge). This microscopic inscription links the stone directly to its certificate.
- Ask to see the inscription under magnification (10x loupe or microscope)
- The inscription number should match the certificate exactly
- If there's no inscription, be extra careful to verify measurements
Buy Certified Diamonds with Confidence
GlitzJewelry.com only sells GIA and IGI certified diamonds. Every certificate can be independently verified, and we'll help you check it before purchase.
Shop Certified Diamonds