Replacing a lost GIA diamond certificate
Your GIA certificate is an important document. Furthermore, it gives important information about your diamond . Unfortunately, buyers lose their original GIA certificate. In other situations, some second hand buyers lack the original report supplied to the first buyer.
Why is the GIA report check important?
The GIA report check lets anyone look up a diamond by entering the GIA report number. In addition, a PDF digital version can be downloaded. This allows a printed hard-copy. Avoid the cost of a replacement certificate with this digital copy of the information. Your next step involves noting the GIA number to access the information.
Example GIA diamond certificate
Example GIA diamond grading report
How to find out your GIA certificate number
To find out your GIA certificate number, you have 3 different ways to look it up.
- Find it on your invoice (if this appears on the document).
- Take the GIA number from the side of your diamond (using a lens).
- Contact the seller to ask them for the GIA report number.
1. Refer to your invoice
If you have the original invoice—either a physical copy or an emailed invoice, the GIA number might be noted. Look for a string of digits similar to those shown on our example above.
2. Take the GIA number from the side of your diamond
Use a lens to read the GIA number, microscopically etched on the side of the diamond. Typically, diamonds under 1 carat include the GIA number on the edge of the diamond. Unfortunately, some setters accidentally put claws over the number. Whenever we send a GIA diamond to our setter, we mark the diamond. For example, we add a small mark with removable ink. Then, our setter positions the claw or prong away from the number.
3. Contact the seller and ask for the information
If all else fails, contact your original seller. Most jewellers keep records of diamond sales. Alternatively a private seller often has information on file. For example an invoice via email from the jeweller. Or, a hard copy on paper.
What to do with your GIA number
Once you have your GIA certificate number, simply go to the GIA report check website and key in your report number. Download a digital copy available for download in PDF format.
Once you have downloaded your GIA report.
Once you have your report downloaded, simply print this and keep it safe. GIA reports make important documents for insurance. Keep the report copy with your valuation. By all means, arrange a new insurance valuation with the number noted. But, prepare to submit the item. Few valuers work without the item to inspect. Owing to insurance fraud, most insurers insist valuers see the item.
Getting an original replacement GIA diamond report
Finally, should you require an original copy, you need to contact the original retailer. GIA will create a replacement report for the company responsible for submitting the diamond in the first place. This can be a long-winded process. We cannot put a specific cost on the process. Furthermore, it could take several months. Be prepared to wait some time. Finally, agree the cost up front.
More about GIA diamond reports
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
