Shopping for the perfect engagement ring or unique wedding band can be an enjoyable experience – however, if you want to ensure that you’re getting the best diamond ring possible for your efforts, then it’s important to educate yourself about what you need to look for in a diamond.

But you don’t need to become an expert jeweler to be able to distinguish between high-quality diamond rings that your loved one will swoon over – and a diamond that isn’t worth your time or hard-earned money. Luckily, a diamond certificate can provide you with every detail you need to know about your potential diamond purchase…

…and 25karats has everything you could ever want to know about diamond certificates!

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, then a diamond certificate can help you correlate the price with that anniversary band or unique engagement ring. A diamond certificate – otherwise known as a diamond grading report – helps to determine the price and quality of your potential diamond purchase. As diamonds are priced by their measured quality grade, a certificate is proof of the diamond’s quality – and insurance against paying more for a diamond that delivers less!

The diamond certificate grades based on the four Cs of the diamond: cut, color, carat and clarity. However, a diamond certificate goes beyond measuring just the four Cs by measuring 13 other important factors, including proportions, depth percentage, finish and polish. Other factors measured include: advanced cut, advanced carat weight, measurements, table percentage, culet, symmetry, clarity grades, color grades and fluorescence. The factors – along with the basic four Cs – combine to provide a consumer with the most in-depth look at what constitutes a high-quality diamond.

Of course, the generator of the diamond certificate matters as well; in short, unless the report comes from a world-respected gemological laboratory, then the veracity of the diamond certificate will be called into question. When shopping for your diamond, be sure to insist on a diamond grading certificate from the following gemological laboratories: GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS Laboratories, or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). These three labs carry a significant amount of weight in the world of gemstones; additionally, because these labs do not receive any cuts from sold diamonds or sell diamonds themselves, the diamond ratings are considered quite conservative. Therefore, you can be sure that a potential diamond inspected by one of these three labs will accurately reflect price and quality.

A diamond certificate ensures that your diamond will remain a protected and cherished purchase for its duration. Should you ever wish to sell your diamond, a certificate will make it easier to get the selling price that it’s worth, as many dealers will try to offer less without one. But above all, a diamond certificate can demonstrate to your loved one that you cared enough to ensure that the diamond is of a high-quality, unique and treasured standard – just like she is!