GIA: Fake Certificates Accompanied Lab-Grown, Treated Diamonds

 

 

Take our word for it, no one likes a dishonest jeweler more than an honest one. Recently, an article was published stating that a jeweler outside of the US who was known to sell lab-grown and treated diamonds had been charged with selling diamonds that had fake GIA inscriptions.

According to JCKonline, “The inscriptions were linked to GIA grading reports that indicated the accompanying diamonds had higher-quality characteristics than they actually did, '' the publication stated. The accused allegedly “targeted comparatively less-experienced businessmen,” a police inspector told the newspaper.”

But this wasn’t the only recent report of fraudulent certifications. Another Diamond With Fake GIA Inscription Surfaces, this time in Antwerp. According to the article, “During testing, lab graders discovered the diamond had indeed undergone high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treatment even though the GIA grading report that corresponded with the inscription number made no mention of color treatment. Upon detailed microscopic investigation, graders noticed that even though the stone’s carat weight, cut and final clarity grade (VS1) matched the report, the clarity characteristics, while “quite similar,” did not match up exactly.”

If these findings weren’t unsettling enough, these fake certifications tend to happen mostly with lab-grown diamonds. But what does this mean for potential consumers?

These news articles bring to light some important topics relating to the circulation of fake stones, as well as the legitimacy of the jewler you decide to work with, and the overall integrity of lab grown diamonds.

As with most things nowadays, the internet is used in the beginning stages of the sales cycle, meaning, individuals start their research there. There are many online websites that promise you a great deal and premium quality, but it’s important to do your own research. 

At La Bijouterie, we encourage clients to do online research of their own, and then come to us with questions in order to talk through the pricing, certification process, and guarantees you found online. You may be surprised at what you learn, which brings us to our next point-- finding a jeweler you can trust. 

When it comes to avoiding fake stones, this is where going with a trusted jeweler is imperative. It’s more important than ever to know who you’re working with. But how to find one you ask? We suggest starting with their Yelp and Google reviews. 

Some questions to ask yourself as you’re browsing include are the reviews mostly positive, and does it seem like this company has a lot of repeat clients? Next, check out their social media pages… are they active, do they engage with those commenting? Do they promise a no stress appointment and are geared towards educating? If not, it’s probably best to keep looking. 

Remember, when it comes to online shopping, less expensive doesn’t always point to a good deal. Make sure you do your due diligence and understand your 4 C’s of diamond buying and come to the initial meeting with questions. 

Lastly, when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, here are some things to consider. 

Although their chemical structure is the same as a natural diamond, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) a lab-created diamond cannot be called “real” because it does not come from the Earth and it is not a gemstone. (Source)

In trying to differentiate natural diamonds from the lab grown alternative, the Natural Diamond Council quite truthfully underscores natural diamonds' rarity.

“Natural diamonds are finite and rare. Diamonds are becoming rarer every day because no new significant deposits have been discovered in about 30 years,” it states. However, lab-grown diamonds can be manufactured in potentially unlimited quantities similar to any manufactured product, thus they are not finite and cannot be considered rare.”

To which, the NDC adds, “Natural diamonds obtain their value from their scarcity as a natural, billion-year-old precious gem and have shown over decades to grow in value as they become more rare.”

It’s important to consider Price vs Value. When it comes to value, you can’t put a price on rarity. As basic economics states, once demand goes up, and inventory goes down, price goes up. So where does this leave us, as each claims they are better than the other for different reasons? More importantly, how does one ensure they are not getting taken advantage of? In our optionion, it all comes down to trust and transparency.

At La Bijouterie, our sole purpose is to help couples achieve a milestone moment in their lives any way we can. We believe in integrity, only working with distributions we have a personal relationship with, quality over quantity, and educating always. Before pulling the trigger on such an important decision, book a no stress 30 minute 1:1 appointment.

At Your Service,

Set F.

Founder, La Bijouterie

 

2021 Roundup of Red Carpet Worthy Engagement Rings

From timelessly classic to show stopping, we’ve rounded up our favorite celebrity inspired engagement rings that are sure to dazzle. The only question is, which will you pick? We’ll get the red carpet ready.

 

Off-Set Engagement Rings

She’s the current queen of pop music and Ariana Grande’s offset and sentimental engagement ring definitely hits a high note with us. Check out our version below.

 

View this ring here.

 

3-Stone Engagement Rings

She may no longer have the title of Princess, but she (and her engagement ring) are still quite royal. Check out Meghan Markle’s 3-stone engagement ring and our version below.

 

 

 




View this ring here.

 

Paris' Emerald Cut Engagement Ring

For those looking for a show stopper, no one can do the job better than Miss. Paris Hilton, soon to be Mrs. Check out her jaw dropping 15-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring, and our more modest version below.

 

 

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View this ring here.

 

Colored Stone Engagement Rings

Color us impressed! This Spice girl turned high fashion designer has added this incredible emerald cushion cut engagement ring to her rotation. Check out one of the many ways we love to design with emerald stones below.

 

 

View this ring here.

 

Art Deco Style Engagement Rings

Thanks to her sister Kate, Pippa Middleton is no stranger to the spotlight. Her stunning art deco inspired engagement ring should probably get used to a close up or two as well!

 

 

View this ring here.

 

Oval Cut Engagement Ring

From their public online pranks to their on-screen romance, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are no doubt, couple goals to the max. And to us, her ring is a major engagement ring goal too!

 

 

View this ring here.

 

Rubys are for Romance: Ruby Engagement Rings

There’s no doubt you’ll be painting the town red in this timeless ruby number. Worn by the stunning Eva Longoria, red has always represented love, passion and romance. Check out our take on a ruby red engagement ring below. 

 

 

View this ring here.

 

Classic Round Brilliant Engagement Rings with Flair

Emmy Rossum's vintage round-cut engagement ring was inspired by 1920’s Paris, and we agree that this 21st century take on a classic is roaring! 

 

View this ring here.

 

Geometric Shaped Engagement Rings

Even though things ended up not working out between the two of them, there is something so playful, sentimental and fun about Lady Gaga’s heart shaped engagement ring. Check out our take on a geometric shaped engagement ring below.

 

 

View this ring here.

 

Emerald Cut Diamond Band

Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias may be considered a power couple for almost two decades, but her Emerald Cut wedding band and engagement ring combo is the real dynamic duo! 

 

 

View this ring here.

 

For more engagement ring inspiration, check out our full Instagram page here. Ready to design your own celebrity worthy ring? Book a no stress appointment with us today!

Always at your service,

Set F.

La Bijouterie Welcomes Carol R., G.G., G.I.A, as Head of Diamond Sales

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LA BIJOUTERIE LTD, AUGUST 13, 2021

 

La Bijouterie Welcomes Carol R., G.G., G.I.A, as Head of Diamond Sales

This exciting addition to our team comes during a period of tremendous growth for La Bijouterie and transformation within the consumer purchasing ecosystem.  

San Francisco, CA- La Bijouterie, a jewelry store designing custom pieces made with ethically sourced diamonds, welcomes Carol R. as Head of Sales. Carol comes to us from Barneys New York, where she worked in Diamond Sales and brings 40 years of experience to La Bijouterie, beginning August 9, 2021. 

“We are thrilled to have Carol join our team as she has a customer first mentality and a real passion and knowledge for diamonds,” said Set F., Founder of La Bijouterie. 

Carol is certified by both the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), as well as the American Gem Society, and has worked for some of the world's leading luxury diamond brands such as Tiffany and Co. 

She will be instrumental in offering top tier customer service, while educating and guiding potential customers with one of the biggest purchases of their lives. As a company, we are committed to making the diamond buying experience one that is enjoyable and memorable. We have a no-pressure approach and only work with conflict free diamonds.

About La Bijouterie

As a third generation jeweler, we believe that an engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewelry, it’s a handcrafted family heirloom, it’s a symbol of love, and oftentimes, the start of a family. We attribute our success to the trust we've built with clients over the years. When making one of the biggest purchases of your life, it’s imperative to have someone that can break down cost, design and most importantly, make you feel comfortable. Being local and serving the greater Bay Area means no feelings of being left in the dark or taken advantage of.

Media Contact: 

Tal T.

Head of Marketing & Finance

tal@labijouteriesf.com 

(415) 775- 6622

www.LB-SF.com

Financing provided by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. with approved credit

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