RULE NO. 1 – ASK FOR A CERTIFICATE
A diamond certificate, also known as a grading report, is a document referring to the information on the quality characteristics of a particular diamond where each of the features is graded on a standard scale.
This scientific examination is to prove that the quality of the diamond has been evaluated by an independent third-party gemological authority such as Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) and others.
Without this document, any claims about the diamond’s colour, clarity, cut, polish, symmetry, and other features remain unverified, meaning you make a purchase based on the seller’s opinion. That is why you should always ask for a certificate/grading report to make sure you get what you are paying for.