When looking at a diamond you first have to look at the 4C's, which are the Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. You can find out all this information by looking at the Diamond Certificate. You can purchase a loose diamond or one set in a ring that is not certified. However, when buying uncertified diamonds you are not going to know exactly what you're getting.

This is one of the most important investments that you will make in your lifetime, so you want to make sure that you know exactly what you are buying. A Diamond Certificate, which is also known as a grading report, diamond dossier, and cert, is like a blueprint of the diamond. It tells you exactly what the properties of that diamond are. A certificate is not to be confused with an appraisal, which gives the approximate retail replacement value of the diamond.

There are several grading laboratories that do diamond grading. The two most respected ones are the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and American Gem Society Laboratories (AGS). These two companies are known for their consistent and unbiased system for grading loose diamonds. Make sure that you look for the name of the lab that performed the grading of your diamond. If it wasn't graded by either of these companies you should be cautious.

The certificate shouldn't be the only thing you look at when buying a diamond you must also be happy with the look and appeal of the diamond. Each certified diamond is issued a unique identification number. The grading report gives you all the specific quality of the diamond and includes a diagram outlining the characteristics.

After you have found the diamond that you know will please her, you might want to get an appraisal on the engagement ring, if you plan on getting it insured. An appraisal will allow you to a get a replacement for the ring in the event it is stolen or damaged.

The insurance company will replace the jewelry according to the appraisal value. So you need to make sure that the appraisal includes all the information from your diamond certificate so you will get a replacement that is of the same value as your ring.

Remember when you are looking for the perfect diamond; besides looking at the 4C's you should look at the 5th C, which is the Diamond Certificate. This is a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional. Each diamond bares its own recognizable individual characteristics and they are listed on the certificate.

Also remember a Diamond Certificate is not the same as an appraisal because the certificate describes the quality of a diamond but it does not place a monetary value on the diamond. By getting a certified diamond, whether it is a loose one or set in a ring, you will know exactly what you're paying for.