Verification, authenticate

Diamond Verification and Escrow Services by DCLA

Verification Services

The DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia) offers reliable verification services for your diamond, whether you purchased it with a grading certificate or are selling it. We verify that the diamond matches the grading certificate, regardless of whether it was issued by DCLA or another internationally recognized laboratory*. Our team will also ensure that the diamond is unaltered and free from damage.

We can verify both loose diamonds and most diamonds set in jewellery. In some cases, we may need to request that the diamond be removed from its setting to perform a thorough verification.

Escrow & Verification Service

To safeguard the Australian public, DCLA partners with Escrow Australia to offer an Escrow & Verification Service that mitigates the risks associated with purchasing diamonds online.

While buying a diamond online can lead to significant savings, it also introduces several risks, including:

  • The diamond supplied does not match the listed certificate.
  • The certificate may be inaccurate or counterfeit.
  • Payment is made, but the diamond is never received.
  • The diamond has undergone undisclosed treatments to enhance its colour or clarity.
  • The diamond is a simulant or not natural.

Given the high value of diamonds and the specialized knowledge required, DCLA’s Escrow & Verification service provides both an escrow option and a thorough assessment by the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA). If the diamond does not match the advertised specifications, your funds will be returned, and the diamond will be sent back to the seller.

This service has been so effective that eBay Australia has adopted it as a payment method for diamond transactions on its platform.

A Simple and Secure Process for Every Transaction

Once a buyer and seller agree on the price for a diamond, either party can visit DCLA to initiate the escrow transaction.

The Diamond Escrow Process

  1. Registration: Either party can register at Escrow Australia and click on “Start a New Transaction.”
  2. Information Collection: We will gather specific information about the diamond and the other party’s email address through our secure SSL form. We will then contact the other party with instructions on how to register and confirm the transaction details.
  3. Payment: After both parties agree to the transaction specifics, the buyer can make payment via Escrow Australia’s secure payment gateway. Once payment is cleared, we will notify the seller to log in, collect shipping details, and send the buyer a GST-compliant receipt.
  4. Verification: Upon receipt, DCLA will confirm the diamond matches the stated specifications within 48 hours via email to all parties.
  5. Completion: Once the diamond is verified, DCLA will accept the trade on the buyer’s behalf and forward the diamond to them. Escrow Australia will notify the seller of the payment, allowing them to log in, provide bank account details, and receive funds within 24 hours.

Protecting All Parties Involved

Our Escrow & Verification Service ensures that all parties involved in the transaction are protected.

For further information, please contact us at +612 92612104.

Diamond Traceability: Understanding the Journey from Source to Market

Verification of Diamond Certificates

For certificates issued by other international laboratories, DCLA only verifies that the diamond matches the accompanying certificate. DCLA cannot guarantee the accuracy of the grading on certificates issued by laboratories other than DCLA.

What Is Diamond Traceability?

Diamond traceability refers to the process of tracking a diamond’s journey from its origin to the market. This includes identifying the diamond’s source, the supply chain path it traverses, and the final destination where it is sold to consumers.

Why Is Diamond Traceability Important?

  1. Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing: Traceability fosters greater transparency and accountability in the diamond supply chain. This is crucial in preventing the trade of conflict diamonds, which fund armed conflicts and human rights abuses.
  2. Consumer Assurance: By tracing a diamond’s journey, consumers can be confident that their purchases are of high quality and have been sourced responsibly. This assurance promotes consumer trust in the industry.
  3. Industry Initiatives: Various initiatives have been established to enhance diamond traceability, such as:
    • Kimberley Process Certification Scheme: This initiative aims to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
    • Responsible Jewellery Council: Sets standards for responsible sourcing practices in the diamond industry.
    • Blockchain Technology: Some diamond producers are now utilizing blockchain to enable secure tracking of diamonds throughout the supply chain.

The Role of Certification in Traceability

Obtaining a diamond certificate is essential for traceability. These certificates provide a comprehensive record of a diamond’s characteristics and its journey through the supply chain, ensuring consumers receive high-quality, ethically sourced diamonds.

Techniques for Determining Diamond Origin

While tracking a diamond physically from its source may be impractical for individuals, several techniques can help ascertain a diamond’s origin:

  1. Chemical Composition Analysis: Diamonds from various geographic locations exhibit distinct trace elements and isotopic compositions. For example, diamonds sourced from different mines in South Africa can have unique isotopic signatures.
  2. Spectroscopy: This technique analyzes a diamond’s unique spectral characteristics, which can provide insights into its origin and the geological conditions under which it formed.

While these techniques can offer clues about a diamond’s origin, they are not infallible and may not always provide definitive answers. However, advancements in technology, alongside the diamond industry’s commitment to responsible sourcing, are enhancing the ability to track and trace diamonds from their source.

In summary, diamond traceability plays a vital role in promoting ethical sourcing practices and assuring consumers of the quality and authenticity of their diamond purchases.