Jewelry Certification – Why It Matters and What You Should Know
Buying jewelry is always a special moment.
But how can you be sure that the jewelry you buy is real, valuable, and high quality? The answer is jewelry certification.
What is Jewelry Certification?
Jewelry certification is a professional evaluation made by experts. It confirms the authenticity of the jewelry, describes its quality, and provides an estimate of its value.
Certification usually covers:- The purity of the metal
- The type and origin of the gemstones
- The craftsmanship quality
- The estimated market value
Certification is about trust — for you as a customer, and for us as a seller.
Metal Certification – Stamped Marks
All precious metals used in jewelry have tiny stamped marks called hallmarks. These marks confirm the purity of the metal, whether it’s gold, silver, or platinum.
Each hallmark usually contains:
- A number indicating the purity of the metal (for example, 585 for 14K gold, 925 for sterling silver, or 950 for platinum).
- A symbol or letter identifying the type of metal.
- A mark of the assay office or official authority that verified the metal.
- In some countries, there can also be a year mark or a manufacturer's mark.
Hallmarks are typically placed on a hidden part of the jewelry — inside a ring, on the clasp of a chain, or on the back of earrings.
Curious to learn more? Read our full guide on jewelry stamps and hallmarks.
Stone Certification – Diamonds & Gemstones
Diamonds & Gemstones – Natural vs Lab-Created
There are two types of diamonds and gemstones used in jewelry:
- NAT (Natural) – formed deep in the earth over millions of years through natural geological processes. Each natural diamond or gemstone is unique and rare, which often makes it more valuable.
- LC (Lab-Created) – created in laboratory conditions using advanced technology that replicates the natural formation process. Lab-created diamonds and gemstones have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, but are generally more affordable.
Both types of stones look identical to the naked eye and offer exceptional brilliance and durability. The main difference lies in their origin and price. More information about Omara Diamonds and Gemstones you can fin in our Diamond & Gemstone Guide
GIA & IGI Certificates
When it comes to diamonds, the two most respected certification authorities worldwide are:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – the most trusted and recognized diamond grading laboratory in the world, founded in 1931.
- IGI (International Gemological Institute) – a globally known certification authority, especially popular in Europe and Asia, established in 1975.
Both GIA and IGI provide professional and independent evaluation of diamonds, ensuring their authenticity and quality. Their certificates describe in detail:
- Weight – exact carat weight of the diamond
- Color – how colorless the diamond is, based on international grading standards
- Clarity – number and type of internal or external imperfections (inclusions & blemishes)
- Cut – quality of the diamond's cut, which affects its brilliance
- Origin – whether the diamond is Natural (NAT) or Lab-Created (LC)
Every certified diamond from GIA or IGI has a unique certificate number, which is also laser-engraved on the diamond's girdle (very tiny and visible only under magnification).
How We Do It at Omara
We care about quality and transparency. This is how certification works at Omara
- All diamonds and gemstones bigger than 0.24 ct are always certified by GIA or IGI. The certificate comes automatically with your purchase, free of charge.
- Smaller diamonds (below 0.24 ct) come without certificates by default — however, if you would like to have a GIA or IGI certificate for a smaller stone, we can arrange it for an extra fee.
Keep in mind that certification of smaller stones is rarely used because the cost of certification might exceed the value of the diamond itself. However, we completely understand if you want that extra confirmation, and we are happy to help.
Regardless of certification, we guarantee that all diamonds sold at Omara — big or small — are 100% real, natural or lab-created (according to description), and exactly as described. We work only with trusted and verified suppliers who meet our strict quality standards.
Jewelry certification gives you clarity and peace of mind. It guarantees that the jewelry you buy is real, valuable, and meets the highest quality standards. At Omara, we take certification seriously — because your trust is priceless.