The GCAL Exclusive “Zero Tolerance” 4C’s Consumer Diamond
Grading Guarantee is fundamental to GCAL’s concept of independent, third
party grading. The GCAL cash-back policy ensures the accuracy of the cut, color
and clarity grades, and the carat weight assigned to GCAL graded diamonds subject
to the limitations below.
GCAL guarantees that the diamond is an authentic, natural diamond and the carat
weight and quality rating is assigned in accordance international standard grading
practices, the GCAL Cut Grading Standard (for round diamonds), and the GCAL Grading
Process.
The GCAL Grading Process requires that each certified diamond has been positively
identified by Gemprint™ and registered in our database, then examined by our gemologists
for authenticity and graded by two or more expert graders and verified by a senior
expert. The final grade assigned will be by consensus of all grader’s expert opinions.
The GCAL “Zero Tolerance” 4C’s Consumer Guarantee
is valid for a period of two years from date on the applicable certificate. The
Guarantee does not apply to a diamond that has been subjected, to damage, treatment,
re-polishing, re-cutting or other alterations or evidence of alterations of any
kind, or other treatment as determined by GCAL. The Guarantee is not transferrable
and void if the diamond was acquired illegally or used in the commission of a crime,
or used in violation of applicable laws and regulations of the United States of
America. This guarantee is only applicable to a consumer who purchases for legitimate
personal, family or household purposes.
Procedure to Challenge GCAL Certificate
If you have reason to believe your GCAL certified diamond does not meet the carat
weight or quality grades stated, you may, within two years of the date on the applicable
certificate, submit your diamond for the guarantee challenge. If after a positive
match of your diamond to the diamond that was originally examined on the applicable
certificate and a complete review by GCAL Lab Directors, it is determined by GCAL
that either the weight or quality grade is lower than the weight or quality grade
originally assigned on the applicable certificate, or the diamond is not authentic,
GCAL will, at your option, either (a) reimburse you the difference between the current
fair retail value of your diamond at the original grade or weight, as may be applicable,
and the current fair retail value of your diamond at the newly established grade
or weight, as may be applicable, or (b) replace your diamond with an authentic,
natural diamond of weight and quality grade as stated in the original certificate
for your diamond.. The current fair retail value will be solely determined by GCAL
in the market from which the diamond was purchased and the date of your notice to
GCAL.
Contact GCAL offices prior to sending your diamond for review. There will be a consumer
guarantee challenge submission fee and return shipping charge quoted at time of
notification. Your diamond must be unmounted, and be accompanied by a copy of the
original retail sales receipt and the original GCAL certificate. No exceptions.