What Is GIA Certified? Understanding Diamonds
Issued by the Gemological Institute of America, a GIA Certificate offers trusted, third-party verification of a diamond’s quality, covering the essential details about the cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. That’s why it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting when buying a diamond ring, and that’s what GIA Certification helps with.
Founded in 1931, the GIA is the world’s most respected authority on diamonds. It developed the universal standard for evaluating diamonds, what we know today as the 4Cs, and continues to lead in research, grading, and education on natural and lab-grown diamonds, colored stones, and pearls.
That’s why all our white diamond rings over 0.3 carats come with a GIA Certificate, so you can purchase with confidence. Each certificate includes a detailed breakdown of the diamond’s characteristics and confirms that the stone meets the highest international standards.
The 4Cs Explained
We work with ethically sourced diamonds that meet premium standards. So here is a brief explanation of how GIA’s 4Cs apply to the diamonds used in our pieces:
1. Cut
Cut it’s about how precisely the stone has been crafted to reflect light. A well-cut diamond offers exceptional brilliance, fire, and scintillation, making it appear more lively and radiant.
We offer a curated selection of popular cuts known for their beauty and elegance:
Princess Cut: With its clean, sharp corners and square shape, the princess cut is a modern favorite. It delivers outstanding sparkle thanks to its brilliant faceting style, especially when viewed from above.
Radiant Cut: Combining the elegance of an emerald shape with the brilliance of a round cut, the radiant cut features cropped corners and a dazzling, energetic sparkle. It's a bold and stylish choice.
Cushion Cut Diamond: Known for its soft, pillow-like shape and vintage charm, the cushion cut blends rounded corners with larger facets for a romantic glow. It’s no surprise that Zendaya’s engagement ring features a stunning cushion-cut diamond, timeless yet full of personality.
2. Carat
Carat is often mistaken for size, but it measures a diamond’s weight. Here’s how diamond carat weight translates into grams.
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond:
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1 carat diamond ring is equal to 0.2 grams.
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2 carat diamond ring is equal to 0.4 grams.
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3 carat diamond ring is equal to 0.6 grams.
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4 carat diamond ring is equal to 0.8 grams.
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5 carat diamond ring is equal to 1.0 grams.
Notes:
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This is pure weight. It does not include the setting (e.g, ring band).
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The price of diamonds does not increase linearly. A 5-carat diamond can cost much more than 5× the price of a 1-carat diamond due to rarity and quality.
While it often affects price the most, a smaller, well-cut diamond can outshine a larger, poorly cut one. We offer a range of carat weights to match different styles and budgets, without compromising on quality.
3. Color
GIA’s color grading scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable color). Capucinne diamonds fall in the F–G range, meaning they are nearly colorless, offering incredible value and beauty. The difference between an F and a G is subtle. Even expert gemologists need special tools to tell them apart.
4. Clarity
Almost every natural diamond has tiny internal or external characteristics. GIA grades clarity from Included to Flawless. We use diamonds graded VS or VVS (Very Slightly or Very, Very Slightly Included), which means imperfections are so small they’re invisible to the naked eye, keeping the stone’s look clean and its value high.
Looking for Something Unique?
If you’re after a custom diamond ring with specific preferences, like a particular cut, color, or clarity, our team can help. Contact us, and we’ll work with you to source the perfect diamond, guide you through pricing, and craft a ring that reflects your vision and values.
Why It Matters
A GIA certificate doesn’t just tell you about your diamond. It protects your investment. It ensures that what you receive matches what you were promised. At Capucinne, we go a step further by combining certified quality with modern design, ethical sourcing, and handcrafted detail, so you get a ring that looks good, feels good, and stands the test of time.
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