A certificate is a "blueprint" of a diamond, it tells you the diamond's exact measurements and weight, as well as the details of its cut and quality. It precisely points out all the individual characteristics of the stone. Certificates also serve as proof of the diamond's identity.

A certificate is not the same thing as an appraisal. A certificate describes the quality of a diamond, but it does not place a monetary value on the gem. An insurance appraisal places a monetary value on your diamond for obtaining insurance coverage.

There are many diamond labs that issue certificates, but the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are the two most widely regarded and recognized diamond grading labs in the world.

Shopping for certified diamonds allows you to make an informed choice about your selections, and to comparison shop. You can compare one diamond with a particular weight and quality with other diamonds of similar weight and quality to determine which is the better value.

Even with all this information that is on a Diamond Grading Report it DOES NOT tell you how pretty the diamond is or how much it sparkles. Only your eyes can see the beauty in a diamond. Think about this, you can read the menu at a restaurant about a certain entrée, but it doesn’t tell you how good tastes.

NOTE: If a jewelry store offers to sell you a loose diamond without a certificate, keep in mind that it means you are buying the diamond based only on the salesperson's claim about its quality, and that a trained gemologist like Michael or even other jewelers may disagree with the salesperson's assessment.