Diamond Laser Inscription

Laser inscriptions are messages, usually grading report numbers, inscribed on the girdle of the Diamond.

The process uses a very precise laser beam to transform the micro thin layer of Diamond from its transparent form to an opaque carbon (graphite) form that is visible only under magnification.

Today's laser inscription technology uses a "cold laser" process that utilizes the short wave length of light and thus has no thermal effect on the Diamond. This safe process will not chip, fracture, or otherwise damage the Diamond while providing great control over the precision, contrast and depth of the marking.

Because Diamond laser inscriptions can use any text, font, symbols, or artwork, they provide great flexibility for identification and marketing efforts.

The laser inscriptions are so small that they are not visible to the eye. They are visible using 10x magnification, but are usually more readable with 20x or greater magnification.

The most common use of Diamond laser inscriptions is to label the Diamond with the certification number for the grading laboratories' Diamond grading reports. Since laser inscriptions can be applied by anyone with the inscription equipment, there have been some rare cases of fraud. Usually this can be avoided by simply cross-referencing the inscription number with the grading laboratory's database.

For the GIA numbers this information is available at..... GIA Report Checks

If the laser inscription was done prior to or during the inspection at the grading laboratory, the laser inscription is usually indicated on the actual Diamond grading report. Sometimes the laser inscription is applied after the grading report, in which case the certification would not make note of the laser inscription.

Romantic messages like "Forever Yours," "I Love You" and "Always and Forever" are examples of commonly inscribed messages. Poetry, symbols, names and special dates are also popular. Since the message can be read only under magnification, customers can keep it to themselves or choose to share it with others.

Diamonds graded by GIA can have its unique Diamond Grading Report number inscribed on it for instant verification.