Diamond Color Master Set

The company should always have a reliable set of masters so we can continue to purchase top-quality diamonds and accurately grade diamonds for sale.

There are two ways to obtain a reliable color master set. One is to purchase a new set. This way is very expensive and certified sets are not always available. The second way is to keep the set we currently own full and up to date. Should any of the diamonds need to be replaced, we would send these new stones to GIA for certification. This method is much more cost effective and we will have control of how large we want the set to be, though the process will take much more time than simply purchasing a new set.

To expand our existing set, follow these steps:

1. Pre-select stones from current store inventory or dealer stock that are a good fit for our set.
2. Submit those stones to GIA for certification. (This can be done over time, or all at once.)
3. Wholesale pays for the certifications and purchases the stones that pass to be part of the new master set.

A full set of color masters should have a stone for each color grade between E and M. That is the color range of stones we commonly see. (It is not crucial to have a D master since anything brighter than E will be a D.) A full set will be 9 stones.

PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING DIAMONDS FOR GIA MASTER COLOR COMPARISON SET GRADING

• Send at least two diamonds for creation of a new Master Color Comparison Set.
• Include each diamond’s stated weight on a standard parcel paper.
• It is recommended that you send in your existing Master Set for comparison purposes when making any changes to that set.

CRITERIA

The following criteria must be met for Master Color Comparison Stones:

• Unmounted round brilliant cuts (surface must be free of all residues).
• 0.25 carat or more, and all stones should be within 0.10 carat of each other.
• Clarity grade not lower than SI2.
• Colorless to yellow only and at least one full color grade apart.
• Thin to thick girdles only (faceted, polished, or bruted).

The following criteria make stones unsuitable for a GIA Master Color Comparison Set:

• Any fluorescence to long-wave ultraviolet light for color grades D through J. Weak fluorescence is acceptable in color grades K or lower.
• Eye-visible inclusions when viewed through the pavilion.
• Inclusions that noticeably affect the color or transparency.
• Brownish or grayish color.
• Girdles that are heavily bearded, wavy, have large naturals or large extra facets.
• Crowns or pavilions that are noticeably shallow or deep.

FEES (as of 2011)

• First stone accepted as a Master Color Comparison Stone: $60
• Each additional stone accepted as a Master Color Comparison Stone: $40
• Each stone rejected for any reason designating it unsuitable: $15
• Verification of a Master Color Comparison Set (per stone): $20
• Each nonmatching stone not verified: $15
• Preparing new labeled stone papers: $20

A $5.00 handling fee per memo will also be charged, as well as return postage fees.

Clients requesting the GIA color grading system will receive a GIA Diamond Master Color Comparison Set Report listing all acceptable stones in their proper order. In addition, new parcel papers and labels will be furnished.

SHIPMENT

Diamonds must be sent to GIA by registered, insured mail.

YOU MUST HAVE A CURRENT CLIENT AGREEMENT FORM ON FILE WITH GIA-GTL WHEN SUBMITTING STONES. IF YOU HAVE NOT CONDUCTED BUSINESS WITH GIA-GTL IN THIS CALENDAR YEAR, YOU MUST SUBMIT A COMPLETED CLIENT AGREEMENT FORM WITH YOUR STONES TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DELAY.

Send stones, client agreement form (if not already on file), and completed Master Color Comparison Set grading request form to:

GIA Laboratory
5355 Armada Drive
Suite 200
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 603-4500, Ext. 7522