How to read a GIA Certificate

Every GIA certificate includes the following information: GIA Certified diamond - Example

Date - Date of GIA Report was issued.
GIA report number - Unique report number to identify the diamond.
Laser inscription registry - A diamond may be micro laser inscribed with its unique GIA report number on the girdle of the diamond.
Sahpe & Cutting style - Description of the shape (round pear etc...)
Measurments - The dimensions of the diamond listed as "minimum diameter - maximum diameter X depth" for round shapes and "Length X Width X Depth" for Fancy shapes.
Weight - The weight of the diamond given in Carats
Depth - The depth of the diamond relative to the average diameter for round shapes, or the width for fancy shapes.
Table - The average size of the table facet in relation to the average diameter in round shapes, or the width of the table in relation to the width of the diamond for fancy shapes.
Girdle - The thickness of the girdle relative to the size of the diamond, and condition (polish or faceted) if applicable.
Culet - The size of the culet facet relative to the size of the diamond.
Finish - Represents the quality of the surface condition (polish), and the size, shape and placement of the facets, including the evenness of the outline (symmetry).
Clarity - Represents the relative absence of inclusions (internal characteristics) and blemishes (external characteristics). Clarity is graded on a relative scale from Flawless to Included, based on size, nature, position and quantity of clarity characteristics visible under 10X magnification.
Color - Assesses the absence of color from colorless to light yellow, brown or gray when compared to GIA Master Color Comparison Diamonds.
Fluorescence - The strength and color of the diamond when viewed under long-wave ultraviolet light such as is present in daylight.
Comments - Additional identifying characteristics of features that are not represented on report.
Inscription - A diamond may be micro-laser inscribed with a brand name, a trade name, or a personal message.
GIA Clarity and color grading scale - These scales illustrate the GIA color and Clarity grades and their relative positions in the Diamond Grading System.
Diagram - A diagram that approximates the shape and cutting style of the diamond is included. Symbols on the diagram indicates the type or nature, position and approximate size of a clarity characteristic.