Prakash

When you buy a loose natural diamond, the stone and its report travel together. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds independently. It does not buy or sell stones, so its report tells you what the diamond is. Here is how to read one in a few minutes. 1. Report number and date Every GIA report has a unique number. On many stones, the same number is laser-inscribed on the girdle (the thin outer edge) and can be seen under magnification. This number is your key to verifying...

Whether you need one stone or a full parcel, these questions help you buy loose natural diamonds with confidence.

Marquise, pear, oval, emerald, heart and baguette: what sets each fancy shape apart, and what to look for when choosing one.