The present invention discloses a method and system for certifying and verifying gemstones and a document certifying and verifying gemstones. The method comprises the steps of capturing at least one image of an inclusion in a gemstone; storing the image in a first database; and displaying the image on a certification document for presenting to a consumer, wherein the image is of sufficient magnification to allow the consumer to compare the image on the document to the gemstone viewed through an optical device to determine if the gemstone matches the image.