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The science and stories behind gemstones, brought to you by Akib Shaikh
Inside every gem are tiny features – swirls, bubbles, mineral layers. They’re nature’s diary at a microscopic level.
Akib Shaikh is one of Catawiki’s in-house experts in diamonds and gemstones. With over a decade of hands-on gem grading and trade experience, he carefully reviews every jewellery piece and gemstone against strict quality standards to ensure only the most authentic and valuable items make it to auction. From crystallography to inclusions, Akib sees gemology as a blend of science and storytelling. He spent over ten years at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), specialising in diamond grading, where he mentored new graders in the meticulous art of evaluating clarity, polish, symmetry and cut. For Akib, grading is about protecting buyer trust by ensuring accuracy and consistency. At Catawiki, Akib brings both depth and clarity. Whether he's verifying a heart-shaped D-colour diamond or advising on why a sapphire’s silk inclusions add value, his goal is to make technical details understandable, transparent and compelling for every buyer and seller.
Akib Shaikh is one of Catawiki’s in-house experts in diamonds and gemstones. With over a decade of hands-on gem grading and trade experience, he carefully reviews every jewellery piece and gemstone against strict quality standards to ensure only the most authentic and valuable items make it to auction. From crystallography to inclusions, Akib sees gemology as a blend of science and storytelling. He spent over ten years at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), specialising in diamond grading, where he mentored new graders in the meticulous art of evaluating clarity, polish, symmetry and cut. For Akib, grading is about protecting buyer trust by ensuring accuracy and consistency. At Catawiki, Akib brings both depth and clarity. Whether he's verifying a heart-shaped D-colour diamond or advising on why a sapphire’s silk inclusions add value, his goal is to make technical details understandable, transparent and compelling for every buyer and seller.
- 13+ years of experience in diamond grading, gemstone trading and listing consultation
- GIA-certified in Diamond Grading, Gem Identification, and Graduate Diamonds
- Former grader and mentor at the Gemological Institute of America (2014–2025)
- Specialises in clarity, polish, symmetry and cut grading for diamonds
Akib Shaikh is one of Catawiki’s in-house experts in diamonds and gemstones. With over a decade of hands-on gem grading and trade experience, he carefully reviews every jewellery piece and gemstone against strict quality standards to ensure only the most authentic and valuable items make it to auction. From crystallography to inclusions, Akib sees gemology as a blend of science and storytelling. He spent over ten years at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), specialising in diamond grading, where he mentored new graders in the meticulous art of evaluating clarity, polish, symmetry and cut. For Akib, grading is about protecting buyer trust by ensuring accuracy and consistency. At Catawiki, Akib brings both depth and clarity. Whether he's verifying a heart-shaped D-colour diamond or advising on why a sapphire’s silk inclusions add value, his goal is to make technical details understandable, transparent and compelling for every buyer and seller.
Akib Shaikh is one of Catawiki’s in-house experts in diamonds and gemstones. With over a decade of hands-on gem grading and trade experience, he carefully reviews every jewellery piece and gemstone against strict quality standards to ensure only the most authentic and valuable items make it to auction. From crystallography to inclusions, Akib sees gemology as a blend of science and storytelling. He spent over ten years at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), specialising in diamond grading, where he mentored new graders in the meticulous art of evaluating clarity, polish, symmetry and cut. For Akib, grading is about protecting buyer trust by ensuring accuracy and consistency. At Catawiki, Akib brings both depth and clarity. Whether he's verifying a heart-shaped D-colour diamond or advising on why a sapphire’s silk inclusions add value, his goal is to make technical details understandable, transparent and compelling for every buyer and seller.