Anyone who has spent any time at all shopping for diamonds has likely encountered the four C’s regarding the stones. A diamond’s prestige and price are both based on its color, cut, clarity, and carat. Within the industry, there is an unofficial fifth C that some like to consider, and that is certification. A third party is responsible for issuing a certificate, and they do not work on behalf of either the buyer or the seller. Some people may not know what a certificate is, while some who do claim that they are not necessary in evaluating the worth of a diamond. As previously mentioned, a diamond certificate is issued by a third party. This party studies the attributes of the four C’s and a value is given to the diamond. The point of this certification is to fairly assess the gem without the skewed perception of someone looking to buy or sell it. It is probably a good idea to look for a certificate, especially when new to the diamond buying game, because some of the less trustworthy sellers might attempt to sell a stone that falls well below the stated grading. A certificate is there to help the buyer determine whether or not the diamond meets the standards he or she wishes. The necessity of a certificate then becomes an issue. Is a diamond required to possess certification in order to be sold? No. The presence of a certificate, however, offers the peace of mind that buyers are looking for when shopping for diamonds. A third party is unbiased. Even if a buyer is unfamiliar with the terminology and has never purchased a diamond before, the certificate provides instant reference points that they can utilize. Additionally, they are less likely to get the short end of the stick from a jeweler who is more interested in profit than integrity. Often, the lack of a certificate does not necessarily indicate a rip-off, but it points to a diamond that has been doctored, so to speak. These enhancements, such as laser treatments, decrease the true value of the diamond, though it may not be a big deal to someone shopping for size at a lower price. So the bottom line is this; diamond certification is not necessary to buy and sell diamonds, but it probably should be in the eyes of the buyer. This will help him or her to be sure that the diamond he or she buys is worth what the price tag and placard say it is. Learn more – Diamond Earrings