The DCLA is the only laboratory in Australia endorsed by CIBJO and the IDC (International Diamond Council.) Anybody with a DCLA certificate can contact the laboratory to ensure their diamond matches the certificate as a complete database is kept of all diamonds certified.

I want to get a diamond certified before I buy it, what should I do?

It is strongly advised that you purchase a diamond that has already been certified. Most reputable jewellers will sell diamonds that have already been certified by an independent, recognised laboratory. If you want the DCLA to certify a diamond we will gladly assist you, please give us a call for more information.

I have a “valuation” is this not the same as a certificate?

No. A valuation is only done once the stone has been set in the ring. Impurities are hidden, colour is obscured and weight has to be estimated. This makes it impossible to determine the exact characteristics (”4 C’s”) of the diamond. Another worrying development is the introduction of new and more sophisticated synthetic diamonds that can only be detected in a sophisticated laboratory. A valuation should only be prepared AFTER the diamond has been certified

If I buy a certified diamond, how do I know that the diamond in my ring is the one described in the certificate?

A sure fire method of ensuring this is to laser inscribe the certificate number or a personalised message on the girdle (outside perimeter) of the diamond. Alternatively you can bring your ring into the laboratory and we can verify it for you.

Can laser inscription damage my diamond?

The DCLA uses cold laser technology, which is guaranteed not to damage the diamond. Beware of stones that have been lasered using a hot laser as this could damage the diamond.

What are “synthetic” diamonds?

Synthetic diamonds or “man-made” diamonds are created in a laboratory using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition). The DCLA will only certify natural, untreated diamonds and therefore will not certify synthetic stones. The DCLA has acquired the only DTC DiamondView machine in Australia. This machine was specifically developed by De Beers’s research laboratories to detect synthetic diamond.