
Pearl Buying Guide
Prized and admired for millennia. As the first true gems ever to be used as adornments, the history of pearls in jewellery is nearly as old as the history of civilisation itself.
Read MoreA diamond certificate is the evaluation by a third party accredited gemological laboratory of your diamond. In addition to the diamonds carat weight and measurements, a certificate includes grades for the diamonds cut colour and clarity. Certificates also include other information about the diamond’s polish, symmetry and fluorescence.
Your diamond will have been graded by one of three highly trusted diamond laboratories in the world
Gemological Institute of America ( GIA )
International Gemological Institute ( IGI )
Diamond High Council ( HRD , which is an abbreviation of the Dutch “Hoge Raad voor Diamant )
Gemological Institute of America
Established in 1931, GIA is the worlds largest and perhaps most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning.
GIA discovers through research, imparts and applies through the GIA laboratory , gemological knowledge to the public
GIA is the creator of the revolutionary 4Cs of diamond value (carat, colour, clarity, and cut) and the birthplace of the International Diamond Grading System. Today GIA’s D-Z colour grading scale, Flawless-I3 clarity grading scale and Excellent-Poor cut grading scale are recognised by every professional jeweller in the world.
The GIA Diamond Grading Report is a laboratory credential of your diamonds quality providing a comprehensive analysis of the 4 Cs and authenticity. The GIA Diamond Grading Report has earned a preeminent reputation for unrivaled accuracy and integrity when assigning diamond grades,
International Gemological Institute
Renowned for grading diamonds, coloured diamonds, rubies and sapphires IGI is one of the most trusted names for the certification of diamonds and gemstones . IGI was established in 1975 and is today the oldest laboratory in Antwerp
With laboratories in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, Delhi, Thrissur Surat, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, the IGI Report is regarded as one of the standards of excellence in gemology.
An IGI Diamond report gives an accurate assessment of your diamonds cut, colour, clarity and carat weight according to strict international standards. An IGI Laboratory report is the common language of trust and confidence in the gemological world.
HRD is an abbreviation of the Dutch “ Hoge Raad voor Diamont
HRD Antwerp is the subsidiary of the Antwerp World Diamond Centre ( AWDC ) , a private foundation which represents the Antwerp diamond industry worldwide.
Located in the heart of the diamond centre, HRD Antwerp has been serving the international diamond industry for more than 30 years. HRD Antwerp operates the first ISO-certificated diamond grading laboratory in the world
Not just anyone can grade a diamond. It needs to be examined by expert gemmologists , under strict regulations and using specialist equipment. HRD Antwerp’s host of in-house experts apply the most stringent grading standards informing all customers accurately about the diamonds they buy.
The HRD Antwerp Diamond Certificate is recognised internationally as a guarantee of quality and authenticity.
Further reading
Prized and admired for millennia. As the first true gems ever to be used as adornments, the history of pearls in jewellery is nearly as old as the history of civilisation itself.
Read MoreA diamond certificate is the evaluation by a third party accredited gemological laboratory of your diamond. In addition to the diamonds carat weight and measurements, a certificate includes grades for the diamonds cut colour and clarity.
The last thing we at Nightingale want is to supply a ring and at the crucial ‘down on one knee’ moment it turns out to be too large or too small. Nightingale offer one adjustment free in the first three months.
Read MoreIt is mandatory in Great Britain for precious metals that meet the weight criteria to be assayed and hallmarked (stamped) to indicate the type and fineness of the metal.
Read MoreThere are many beautiful gemstones that have been created by nature and mined from the earth but the most regal of them all is the diamond. The mysterious diamond is the most popular gemstone of them all and the one that has the most myths and legends associated with it.
Read MoreWondering what exactly a lab grown diamond is and why they're a perfect ethical alternative to mined diamonds? Find out here...
Read MoreNightingale can supply an outstanding collection of coloured diamonds loose or set within a bespoke or finished piece of Nightingale jewellery.
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