E.S. Design

You will find quite a number of jewelry appraisals and diamond certificate reports with a disclaimer that indicates, “Graded in the Mounting.” Since it is a disclaimer, the appraisal becomes one of questionable accuracy.

“Graded in the Mounting” means that the diamond or gemstone was graded while set in its current mounting. The appraiser did not remove the stone from the setting while it was graded. Grading a diamond while it is mounted on a ring setting, bezel, and the like is not very accurate as prongs and other surfaces can actually camouflage the stone’s internal and external flaws namely, chips, inclusions, and carbon spots. Settings also affect grading for clarity because of the reflections they add to the stone. For instance, some mountings can block light from entering a diamond and consequently make it a challenging task to spot inclusions and other internal flaws. Yellow gold settings also affect the color of the diamond, adding a yellow hue to it, which gives it a lower color grade. Furthermore, measuring the gemstone itself is nearly impossible because of the physical obstruction. The best appraisal of its dimensions is nothing but an educated estimate.

For a more accurate grading or your gemstone or diamond, it is best to have it removed from the mounting before appraisal. This allows the grader to obtain precise dimensions, weight, color, and clarity of the stone, resulting in an accurate stone grading, appraisal, and value. 

When purchasing a brand new ring with a certification that includes the “Graded in the Mounting” disclaimer, always have the stones removed to double check for quality. This is especially advisable when the stones are of relatively large sizes, ¾ carats and above.

Diamonds are financial investments. It pays to ensure that you are paying for what it is worth.