The Essentials You Need To Know When Purchasing and Caring For Your Diamond.
Diamond Certification

European Gemological Laboratory

EGL LogoThe European Gemological Laboratory, Inc. (EGL) opened its first grading laboratory in Antwerp, Belgium in 1974, founded by Guy Margel. Branches have now been opened in Johannesburg, Paris, London, Israel, Seoul, Hong Kong and Mumbai. The North American laboratory became independent from the group in 1986, and has opened branches in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Toronto.

The EGL Labs produce full diamond certificates including a plot and condensed versions with varying degrees of information. Reports vary in format between EGL USA and the rest of the group. It is important to note that some EGL certificates are produced for diamonds which are already set in jewelry. These documents make mention of this in the comments with the statement "Graded as mounting permits, measurements approximate." The mini certificate may also contain an image that is only a representation. This will be noted with the statement "Photograph Approximate" when it occurs.

Grading Lab Information

Information Documented in the Diamond Grading Report

Term Definition
Shape and Cutting Style: Shape and style of cutting.
Measurements: Dimensions and proportions in millimeters
Carat Weight: Weight in carats
Color Grade: Color assigned as compared to the standardized (D - Z) color grading system.
Clarity Grade: Clarity assigned as compared to the standardized (IF - I3) color grading system.
Polish: A grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) assigned to the diamond's surface smoothness.
Symmetry: A grade (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) assigned to the shape, alignment, and placement of the facets in relation to each other.
Cut Grade: The overall return of light to the viewer. The report features a brilliance image, with white areas representing regions of light return and dark-blue areas showing regions of light loss.
Flourescence Presence and intensity of the diamond's reaction ot UV Light.
Comments: Additional diamond characteristics and inscriptions not previously mentioned on the report, as well as the diamond's flourescence categorized as inert, faint, medium, strong and very strong.
Proportion Diagram: A side profile of the diamond containing its actual proportions and measurements.

Types of Reports Offered


Diamond Certificate

The EGL USA Diamond Certificate provides finish, proportions, color and clarity information for the diamond. It is important to note that the example given here is for EGL USA certificates. Certificates produced by other EGL labs around the world will have a different layout.

EGL Diamond Certificate

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Diamond Analysis Report

This report contains a cut grade in addition to the finish, proportions, color and clarity information. It is available for round brilliant diamonds only.

GCAL Diamond Analysis

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Diamond Consultation

A mini version of the full size Diamond Certificate. It provides the shape, weight, color, clarity and abreviated measurements, in addition to a plot.

EGL Diamond Consultation

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Mini Certificate

A mini version of the full size Diamond Certificate. It provides the shape, weight, color, clarity, proportion and finish information. A plot is not provided. Image may be approximate and not actual.

EGL Mini Certificate

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