What is a Diamond Laser Inscription?

Buying a diamond for your engagement ring in Melbourne is a choice that defines your forever. It’s a decision of lasting importance - where peace of mind is everything. While you’re on the lookout for certified diamonds it’s essential to confirm the diamond you select is exactly the one you take home—unmatched, verified, and entirely yours. 

There’s a microscopic detail that can confirm a diamond's identity by connecting the stone to its grading certificate. It represents authenticity, security, and this microscopic detail guarantees the diamond you choose is the one you receive. 

The microscopic detail we’re talking about is a diamond laser inscription.

But what is a diamond laser inscription, and why should you care? Let’s lift the loupe and take a closer look.

Closer look at Diamond Laser Inscriptions

A diamond laser inscription is a series of characters and numbers that are microscopically engraved onto the surface of a diamond. A laser inscription code is most commonly found on the girdle of the diamond (the narrow edge separating the crown and pavilion of the stone) and is so tiny, it is visible only under 10x magnification.

This process is executed using a highly precise laser beam that gently marks the surface with a unique combination of letters and numbers, without compromising the stone’s brilliance, structure, or value.

This discreet marking connects your diamond to its official grading report, guaranteeing its authenticity and identity. Think of it as the diamond’s serial number - an elegant, tamper-proof hallmark that’s barely visible - yet invaluable.

Why Are Diamond Laser Inscriptions Used?

There are two leading reasons why leading jewellers and clients alike are embracing diamonds which are laser inscribed. Diamond laser inscriptions offer proof of authenticity and certification, and provides a way to identify a diamond if it’s ever switched or misplaced.  

1. Authenticity & Certification

The diamond laser inscription validates the diamond's authenticity and traces the stone back to its grading certificate. All certified diamonds by leading laboratories are laser inscribed with a unique code that corresponds to their grading report number. This microscopic detail is your assurance that you’re receiving a certified diamond that has been graded via one of the world's leading Gemological laboratories. 

The laser inscription ensures full transparency, confirming your diamonds origins (natural or labgrown) as well as linking the stone to their report (an evaluation of diamond’s 4Cs, cut, carat, clarity, and colour). With a 10x microscope, you can view the laser inscription to trace the diamond back to its exact documentation - allowing you to review its characteristics by institutions such as GIA, GCAL and IGI.

The absence of a laser inscription may suggest the diamond hasn’t undergone reputable diamond grading, leaving its authenticity in question. For a modern diamond, this discreet detail proves the diamond is legitimate.

2. Identify the Diamond

Diamond Laser Inscriptions offer a way to identify and confirm the diamond. Should a diamond ever be mistaken, misplaced or swapped, that tiny inscription becomes the stone’s proof of identity. Even experts such as diamond setters, wholesalers, retailers, jewellers can misidentify diamonds. By cross-checking the laser inscription it confirms the diamond is in fact, the correct stone set inside the ring or the same diamond returned to you after cleaning or repairs.

Diamond Laser inscriptions offer security and peace of mind - acting as an extra layer of protection in case of misidentification, loss, or theft. If your diamond's documentation is misplaced or lost - viewing the laser inscription on the diamond is the easiest and most reliable way to re-identify it. This simple approach traces the stone back to its certification permanently registered in GIA, IGI or GCAL databases to confirm the diamond's identity.

Are Laser Inscriptions Visible?

Not unless you’re viewing a diamond under 10x magnification. It’s impossible to see with the naked eye and that’s the beauty of it. A diamond laser inscription is only visible under 10x magnification, preserving the diamond’s pristine appearance to the eye while enhancing its value to its wearer. It’s the luxury of knowing the quality and authenticity of your diamond - even if no one else can see it.

Does It Affect the Diamond’s Quality?

Not in the slightest. The laser inscription is applied with such delicacy and control that it doesn't affect the diamond’s internal structure, light performance, or clarity grade. Certified laboratories use lasers that leave no visible residue or marks beyond the designated inscription.

Is Every Diamond Laser Inscribed?

No, not every diamond is laser inscribed. Diamond grading became widely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, when consumer awareness around quality and authenticity began to rise. As buyers became more educated, they started demanding official certification from trusted gemological institutions like the GIA to ensure transparency around a diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. However, diamonds crafted before this era - particularly prior to the early 2000s - may not feature a laser inscription, as this technology wasn’t commonly used at the time. As a result, many vintage or heirloom diamonds, though genuine, may lack the microscopic laser-etched ID that modern stones carry for verification.

Can Any Diamond Be Laser Inscribed?

Most natural and lab-grown diamonds over 0.15 carats can be laser inscribed, provided the girdle is not overly thin or faceted in a way that prevents legibility. The service is most commonly performed on diamonds that have been or are about to be graded by a gemological institute.

Why You Should Check for Laser Inscriptions When Shopping

When purchasing your engagement ring in Melbourne, it's vital to always check that the diamond laser inscription etched delicately along the girdle of your stone matches its grading report. This simple detail verifies your diamond's authenticity and ensures it hasn’t been switched or misidentified. 

At Janai, we use this precision detail to verify your diamond under our 10x microscope to guarantee the diamond you choose is the diamond you receive.

If you're investing in your bespoke engagement ring, you deserve the confidence that the diamond you paid for is precisely what you get. 

Certified Diamonds at Janai

At Janai, every diamond tells a story—discover the grading report behind yours. Explore our certified diamond collection and our experts will show you your diamonds laser inscription, matching yours to its corresponding grading report. Because luxury is in the details - It’s all about certified authenticity and unmistakable identification.