Understanding GIA Markings on Jewelry: What Does It Mean?

Question
What does the marking GIA on tne inside of my ring mean? My ring is stamped also on the inside with 925, which i know stands for silver. The ring also has 5 stones across the top, which i'm assuming are diamonds, as i believe the marking GIA stands for Gemological Institute America. Am i correct and if so, because my ring is stamped GIA on the inside of the band, does that mean the 5 stones that i believe are diamonds are real?  

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

I can see where you might get the idea that the GIA inside your ring could have something to do with the Gemological Institute of America. I must tell you the mark is likely initials for the maker of the ring and has absolutely nothing to do with the GIA,the gemstone testing lab and educational institute.  The GIA does test jewelry items to see if gemstones are as advertised and does grading and identification of gemstones as a paid service to jewelers and appraisers.

Marking inside of rings is NOT part of the business. And what use is a letter mark with no other information?  
The link below goes to an official GIA website and tells the services offered:


Services offered by the GIA

http://www.gia.edu/lab-reports-services/index.html

Unfortunately, marks inside rings are not totally reliable since over time stones may be lost and replaced or even changed.  We could change a mothers ring to all diamonds or all CZs or change an all diamond ring to all colored gemstones.  At that point, any marks inside the ring telling about the stones would be useless.

I do appreciate you asking. This is a good question. It might be more confusing since in the UK government approved assay houses stamp the metal qualities inside rings and not the jeweler.  
There is not such a system for gemstones, here, there, or where you live.

God Bless and Peace.     Thomas.