Those who have spent any amount of time hunting down diamonds are probably familiar with the four C’s. The color, cut, clarity, and carat of a diamond are evaluated in order to place a certain amount of prestige upon it as well as a price. Within the industry, some will refer to a fifth C, and this regards a certificate. Certification is provided by a third party who is not affiliated with either the buyer or seller. Some people are unaware of what a certificate is, and some who do are not convinced of their necessity when determining the worth of a diamond. As previously stated, a diamond certification is produced by a third party. This person will look at the qualities of the four C’s and provide a value based on them. The reason certification is done is to fairly assess the diamond without bias on the part of those looking to buy or sell the gem. It is usually wise to seek a certificate, especially for buyers who are unfamiliar with what to look for. Sadly, there are some jewelers who are looking to make a bigger buck at someone’s expense, and they might try to sell a stone at a higher value than it deserves. A certificate is a good tool for new buyers to use to avoid getting taken for a raw deal. This raises the question, then, of the necessity of a certificate. Is one required in order to sell a diamond? No. A certificate does, however, provide buyers with the peace of mind that an outside assessment of the stone gives. Even buyers who are uninformed and new to the game can instantly formulate an idea of the relative worth of one gem to the next because the certificate clearly states the value. Plus, they are less likely to receive a raw deal at the hands of a jeweler who has left his scruples behind. This is not to say that the lack of a certificate automatically indicates a rip-off. It often means that a diamond has been enhanced in some way, though. These enhancements, laser treatments for example, decrease the market value of the gem, but that is probably not a major concern to someone looking for a bigger diamond at a smaller price. This all leads to the conclusion that no, a certificate is not necessary to the sale of a diamond. It is, however, a valuable tool for buyers to use when looking for piece of mind. It will guide them toward a purchase that fits both their desires and their budgets. Learn more – Diamond Earrings