We will answer all your questions about diamonds and laser engraving.
1. Does each diamond have a laser engraving with a certificate number?
90% of GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) certified stones always have a laser engraving (“Laser Inscription”). Exceptions are stones with older certificates, as engraving was not always common practice. Even diamonds weighing over one carat do not always have an engraving. Especially not if you have a large certificate, a so-called “full report”. In a full report, the inclusions are displayed graphically. The stone can therefore be clearly identified using this graphic and laser engraving is no longer necessary.
2. Who offers this service? Who sends the diamond to the institute?
Laser engravings are offered by GIA, HRD or IGI. The diamond can be sent to GIA or HRD by both the dealer and the customer himself. If it is a newly certified stone that is only sent to HRD again to have the engraving placed, a new certificate will be issued. However, if it is a stone that has not yet been certified by another institute or by HRD many years ago, then the stone will be tested again. It is entirely possible that some information will be updated. For example the color or purity. Then the stone is engraved and finally the new certificate is created.
3. Does the certificate state that the diamond is laser engraved?
Yes, laser engraving is usually listed on the certificate in the lower part of the certificate. This line of text looks like this for the individual institutes:
- GIA: Inscription(s): GIA [number]
- IGI: LASER SCRIBE IGI [number]
- HRD: LASER INSCRIPTION. Inscription in girdle: HRD Antwerp [number]
4. How to see the laser engraving?
The engraving cannot be seen with the naked eye. Even with only 10x magnification, it is difficult to see the engraving. A 20x magnification or a microscope is better. An amateur photographer can also capture the laser engraving with a macro lens.
5. Can you have the certificate number engraved later?
This is possible in principle, but the diamond has to go to GIA in the USA or to the respective location of the desired institute. However, due to the high costs, this is less worthwhile, as shipping and export costs are added to the regular prices. The costs for engraving are calculated based on the value of the goods or the number of carats and are therefore only worthwhile for large stones that are intended for investment. It is less complicated to have laser engraving carried out by HRD (Hooge Raad foor Diamant, based in Antwerp), as the transport costs are lower.
6. What are the costs associated with creating a laser engraving?
Laser engraving prices vary depending on the institute. You can find all information about the current prices on the official websites of GIA and HRD:
- Price overview GIA
- Price overview HRD
7. Is it recommended to have laser engraving done?
Buying a stone with laser engraving is absolutely recommended. However, having an engraving done afterwards makes less sense due to the costs and effort involved.
a8. Is there a certain minimum size for a diamond to be engraved?
Laser engraving on diamonds is possible from 0.17 carats.
9. Does laser engraving increase the value of a diamond?
No, the value of the diamond does not change. What is still crucial here is the very good quality and certification by a highly respected institute, such as GIA. These clues are sufficient to document the value of the diamond.
10. How is laser engraving done on diamonds?
The engraving is done with a so-called excimer laser. A gas laser that can produce electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet length range. Due to the high technical quality of the laser, there is no visually noticeable damage to the diamond and the value of the diamond is not reduced. But it's not just the diamond's certificate number that can be engraved. Individual engraving is also possible, for example if the diamond is to be given as a gift.