What did we do before laser engraved diamonds or certs? They were traded, want up and down along with the market. I remember going into these wholesalers with my father when I was little and remember buying from just seeing the stones with the little eye piece. No certs., nothing. That was how it was done back then. This was in the early 80s. I am not saying that it should be the way to go (for most people), but that certification isn't a real big deal unless its for resale. Just reporting how some things are done in the trades behind the public eyes.
I remember my wife's mouth dropped at the wholesaler when they pour a small bag of about 30 stones of the same grade for her to choose from. She was so intimidated she didn't want to select her stone, so my father stepped in and bought one. Now she stuck with it
She doesn't wear it but a little ring I bought her long ago.