A certificate is a document prepared by a trained
professional gemologist after a complete examination of a diamond. Remember that
no two diamonds are exactly alike, so every diamond will have its own
certificate, like your having an ID card. It will
list all of the 4C characteristics of that diamond
as well as provide a diagram mapping all of its
inclusions - everything about your diamond except
for a valuation, which is why it is necessary to
have an appraisal for insurance
purposes.
Gem laboratories all over the world grade and certify
stones. The largest and most respected lab is the Gemological Institute of America or (GIA). There is the
European Gemological Laboratory (EGL). Another
lab is the American Gem Society
(AGS). If you receive a certificate from a
lab that you do not recognize, feel free to investigate.
A "cert", as it is referred to in the industry, does
not add value to your stone, and not having one does not detract value. Rather, it assures
the value of the stone. It proves that you got
what you paid for. It's also helpful whenever you
need to identify your diamond - if it is ever lost
or stolen, or if you give it to someone to do
repair work and you want to make sure they gave
you your diamond back.
Click on image to see Sample GIA Certificate
