Diamond engagement rings should come with a "diamond certificate" or a "diamond grading report". This is a document created by a team of gemologists stating that the diamond has been thoroughly examined and measured and contains an evaluation of that diamond's characteristics including clarity, color, cut, measurements etc.
The foremost authority on diamond grading (as well as pearls and other gemstones) is the GIA, or the Gemological Institute of America. The GIA created the standard for evaluating and grading diamonds that labs use today, so that we, as consumers, can have trust in the diamonds and gemstones that we are purchasing. This report, however, is not an appraisal, and simply evaluates the stone, not its price, because as market prices change over time, the quality of the stone does not.
So, when you're shopping for an engagement ring, DO ask your jeweler about seeing your diamond's certificate and make sure you get and pay for the diamond that was evaluated by an independent and unbiased gemologist!
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