Buying diamond with certificate is the best and safest way. Certificate is different than appraisal which is done to determine replacement value only. Certificate does not inform you the replacement value but it is a permanent record of your diamond's features includes Carat weight, Charity, Color and Cut (symmetry). It also contains information of laser drilling or clouding. You will also be given a registered certification number. Stores may misrepresent true value of a diamond if they sell without certification. Some reputable diamond Certification Labs includes GIA, EGL, IGI, AGS, HRD and GS.

 

Even you buy a diamond with certification, you should still examine the diamond under magnification with a microscope. An inexperience buyer can easily spot inclusion and clouding within a diamond under a microscope.