Laser technology began in the 70’s with barcodes and scanners to read them. We now have compact discs (CDs), laser pointers, laser printers, laser surgery, and laser light shows. For diamonds, we use laser technology to inscribe numbers, letters, or logos on the girdle. The girdle is the setting edge of a diamond – which can be bruted, polished, or faceted.

The girdle is a thin edge – if it’s too thick, it’s difficult to set the diamond and other problems can develop (but that’s another post). I mention the size only to amaze you that man can print a message on it. If you are purchasing an engagement diamond, you can have the date of your wedding and “I LOVE YOU” or some such message.

Some diamonds, that have been graded by a professional grading laboratory, have a number inscribed on the girdle. This number corresponds to the number on the grading report. This can be helpful for identifying your diamond – in case of a loss – or that it matches the report – or that your diamond is delivered to you after a cleaning or repair. 

It takes magnification to see it – and it doesn’t affect the clarity of the diamond – so your jeweler can show it to you with their microscope.  They don’t have a microscope?  You can struggle with an eye loupe, or find a jeweler with a microscope. This number can put your mind at ease.

Can it be polished off?  Yes, but not with the type of polishing equipment in a repair shop. Those polishing machines are for metal – it takes a diamond to polish a diamond, along with a skilled cutter who knows what he’s doing. They aren’t easily found in every town! Then, it would take a special laser machine to put a number back on the girdle. I think you can feel confident it’s your diamond!

Your diamond doesn’t have a laser inscription?  There are other ways to know your diamond.  Tomorrow – the inside story.  …Dii