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To
the original four C's-Carat Weight, Color, Clarity
and Cut a fifth has been added in modern times-Certificate.
This modern 'C', which became important for most
diamonds in the last few years, is the diamond certificate.
The best-known and most widely accepted certificate
is that issued by the Gemological
Institute of America (GIA). The certificate is a
quality analysis of a stone, a measurement of its
weight, color and clarity. A number of other organizations
also offer certificates like the International Gemological
Institute, the European Gem Laboratories and the
United States Gemological Services. India too has
introduced the facility in its laboratories.
Certificates gained immense popularity in the late 1970's, when individuals and companies selling diamonds for their investment value used these documents as selling aids. The certificate offers to the customer an outside opinion on the diamond, in effect providing a guarantee. Efforts are underway to harmonize and standardize the nomenclature used by certifying agencies in various countries.
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