The Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA)
Buy and sell diamonds with the help of the experts
The DCLA uses the latest equipment and technology to detect and conclusively identify treated diamonds, synthetic diamonds, and fake diamond simulants. All diamonds that are submitted for grading to the DCLA laboratory are screened for treatment and authenticity. Diamonds that require further testing are then examined and tested on advanced equipment to conclusively determine their authenticity.
No, the value is not even close. A single 1.5 carat diamond with the same shape, cut, clarity and colour will be worth many times more then the 1.5 carats of small diamonds. This is mainly because large diamonds are rarer, and much more valuable.
The DCLA uses the latest Photoscribe cold laser technology that allows excellent control during diamond laser inscription without damaging the diamond. The PhotoScribe cold laser is the only laser guaranteed not to damage or alter your diamond by penetrating beyond the surface.
Laser inscription is the use of a very fine, precise laser beam to write a diamond certificate (diamond grading report) number or customised personal message on the girdle (outside perimeter) of a diamond. The diamond’s laser inscription is totally invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a magnifying loupe. It does not change the colour or clarity grade of a diamond and is considered permanent as it can only be removed by a professional diamond cutter.
It is impossible to accurately grade diamonds while still in a setting, only estimates and approximations of the 4 C’s are possible. The setting may hide inclusions, mask colour, and make accurate measurements and weighing impossible. You therefore need to have to have the diamonds removed from the setting before submitting them to the DCLA laboratory. Your jeweller will be able to do this for you, it is a quick and relatively inexpensive process.
A certificate is NOT a valuation and therefore does not indicate a dollar value. A diamond grading certificate is an in-depth description of a diamond’s characteristics, or 4 C’s, while an appraisal or valuation is a written estimate of the approximate retail replacement value at a given point in time.
The DCLA or Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia is an independent diamond grading laboratory, and the only diamond grading laboratory in Australia that is internationally affiliated and recognised. Grading is done in accordance with IDC (International Diamond Council) rules.
Mission Statement
DCLA History
Technology & Grading Process
DCLA Laboratory Team
The DCLA is the only internationally affiliated and locally accredited diamond grading laboratory in Australia. Although there are other highly respected laboratories internationally, the DCLA is the only recognised diamond grading laboratory located in Australia, making it easier for Australians to deal with any problems or queries as they arise. In addition, DCLA is the only diamond certification laboratory to stand behind our work and offer a full-replacement Diamond Grading Guarantee.
No, diamond certificates or diamond grading reports produced by people who have a financial interest in a diamond are not independent, and therefore cannot be free of bias.
Ask the jeweller if the diamond certificate comes from an independent diamond laboratory or if it produced by a diamond merchant or retailer, then do your research. Make sure the certificate is issued by the DCLA or another highly respected diamond grading laboratory; DCLA is the only diamond grading laboratory worldwide to offer a full-replacement Diamond Grading Guarantee.