GIA Updates Reporting of Laser Manufacturing Remnants
By
Tiffany Moore , Saturday, October 07, 2006
The use of lasers in the diamond manufacturing process has become increasingly common. During the process unintentional marks can be left on a finished diamond. These marks are different in nature than deliberate laser “treatments,” used to alter a diamond’s clarity grade or appearance.
GIA will update its method of reporting to differentiate between deliberate treatments and unintentional characteristics of the manufacturing process, called “remnants.” Previously,
GIA reported internal remnants as “laser drilling” and surface remnants as “laser grooves.” This implied that diamonds with simple manufacturing remnants had laser treatments.
- Unintended surface remains will be covered in the assessment of polish.
- Unintended internal remains will show up in the clarity portion (rather than being noted in the “comments” field).
- Intentional laser drilling, both internal and surface-reaching, will be reported as usual.
People who have a diamond accompanied by a
GIA report with entries in the comments field noting ”internal laser drilling” or “laser grooves” may resubmit those diamonds to the GIA Laboratory at no charge for a reevaluation of the characteristics and how they are reported. Please indicate that the diamond is being submitted for review of laser characteristics and include the original report.
For more information about this free service, please contact GIA Laboratory Customer Service at 760-603-4500 ext. 7590 in California or 212-221-5858 ext. 3724 in New York. Or e-mail labservice@gia.edu.