When it comes to certified diamonds, the smallest size typically ranges between 0.20 carats and 0.25 carats. These sizes are most commonly certified when they are of higher quality, such as diamonds with better color and clarity. However, not all diamonds, especially smaller ones, are certified.

Why Are Small Diamonds Often Sold Without Certification?

Diamonds under 0.20 carats generally don’t come with certification due to the high cost involved. The price of certifying a small diamond represents a larger portion of its total value, making it less practical to certify every small diamond. Additionally, when many small diamonds are set together in pieces like bracelets or rings, certifying each one individually would increase the overall cost considerably.

In the past, jewelers often relied on their word regarding diamond quality, but today, certification has become an essential part of the buying process for many consumers. Still, smaller diamonds are often excluded from this, making them harder to assess in terms of their true quality.

The Importance of Diamond Certification

Certification plays a vital role in providing transparency to consumers. It assures buyers that they’re getting what they pay for in terms of color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. However, not all certification laboratories are equal. Some may grade diamonds more generously, leading to differences in perceived quality.

In general, smaller diamonds, especially those under 0.25 carats, are rarely certified by prestigious labs due to their size. For example, certifications from trusted laboratories often cover diamonds larger than 0.25 carats.

Micro-Laser Inscriptions and Certification for Small Diamonds

For very small diamonds, the micro-laser inscription of the certificate number—common with larger certified stones—becomes impractical. This means that while certification is often missing for these tiny diamonds, other methods of tracking and verifying their origin, like CanadaMark or similar systems, are used instead.

Limitations of Certification

While certification provides a standard framework for assessing diamonds, it’s not a perfect system. There are aspects of a diamond’s appearance, like a milky look or slight tinges of color, that certification reports often overlook. Consumers should be aware of these hidden factors that can affect a diamond’s overall visual appeal.

Blanket Diamond Certificates

For pieces with multiple small diamonds, like eternity rings or necklaces, a "blanket certificate" may be used. This type of certificate covers all the diamonds in a single piece of jewelry, listing their general quality range rather than certifying each one individually. While convenient, these certificates can lack the detail of individual certifications, so it’s important to inspect the piece thoroughly to understand the value of the diamonds within.

How Small Are the Smallest Diamonds?

The smallest diamonds available typically start around 1mm in size. These tiny diamonds are often not certified, as it would be impractical due to their size. Instead, they are tracked using systems that monitor their journey from mine to market, ensuring ethical sourcing and providing an identification number.

In conclusion, while small diamonds can still be of great value, they often don’t come with formal certification due to the costs and challenges involved. Buyers should be informed and, when necessary, seek professional advice to make the most educated purchase decisions when it comes to smaller diamonds.