In the world today, there are two leading diamond grading laboratories that offer independent diamond certification: The Antwerp-based International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) headquartered in the US. However, lab grown diamonds are relatively new on the scene, at least compared to traditionally mined diamonds. So, between IGI and GIA, which diamond certificate is best when it comes to ethical and sustainable lab grown diamonds: an IGI diamond certificate or a GIA diamond certificate? Let’s explore the question.
The background to lab grown diamond certification
Both IGI and GIA are recognised as reputable by the Jeweller’s Association of Australia (JAA) and both laboratories adhere to international standards and respected grading guidelines. However, IGI and GIA are not equal players when it comes to the grading and evaluation of ethical lab grown diamonds.
Lab grown diamonds only became commercially viable in the 1980s, after the first gem-quality lab grown diamond was created in 1971 when General Electric announced it had created several gem-quality lab grown diamonds and sent them to the GIA laboratory for examination.
However, under the influence of diamond heavyweight, De Beers, GIA eschewed lab grown diamonds in favour of mined diamonds until 2007, a move that put GIA at odds with values-driven consumers seeking conflict-free, sustainable fine jewellery.
Furthermore, this meant that IGI was given a head start in the lab grown diamond market. IGI began grading lab grown diamonds in 2005 and since then, they have become the leaders, even gold standard, in lab grown diamond certification. They utilise the same grading system applied to mined diamonds: cut, colour, clarity, and carat (known as the The 4 Cs ) as well as weight and proportion, providing invaluable reassurance and the seal of quality to lab grown diamond engagement rings and special occasion jewellery.
What is meant by IGI certification
According to the IGI, their supreme position in the gemological world is no coincidence.
Founded in 1975, IGI was the first gemological lab to receive the 17025 certification for both mined and lab-grown diamonds, the highest standard in diamond grading.
With 18 laboratory locations around the world, including in major cities like New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Tokyo, IGI is a leading lab in both Europe and Asia.
IGI distinguishes lab-grown diamonds from natural ones by issuing a yellow-coloured report for lab-grown diamonds. The report number and the label "lab-grown" are laser-inscribed on the diamond's girdle.
IGI follows a meticulous and thorough process to ensure accurate, objective grading:
- Diamonds are anonymised in generic containers and assigned an anonymous ID number upon arrival.
- After each grading stage, the diamond is returned to central control, ensuring different gemologists examine it.
- IGI uses cutting-edge technology and methods to examine each diamond.
- Each IGI report contains at least five security features, such as micro-printing and holograms, and every graded diamond receives a unique report number for verification purposes.
IGI is now widely accepted as the expert in grading both lab-grown and mined diamonds. Today, many of the leading retailers of lab-grown diamonds rely on IGI as their preferred certification laboratory.
What is meant by GIA certification
Similarly, GIA certification serves as an objective assessment of the diamond's qualities, detailing key information such as the 4 Cs—clarity, cut, colour, and carat weight—along with proportions, symmetry, and a diagram of inclusions.
In addition to the 4Cs, GIA’s report for lab-grown diamonds includes other important details such as the diamond’s proportions, inclusions, polish, symmetry, and fluorescence.
The report clearly identifies the diamond as lab-grown, with the title "LGDR" (Laboratory Grown Diamond Report). It specifies the method used to create the diamond—either the CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) process or the HPHT (High-Pressure High Temperature) process—and indicates if any post-growth treatments were applied to alter its colour.
GIA diamond certification is widely recognised, especially in the United States and some Western European countries.
That said, there are some key differences between GIA and IGI certifications . GIA and IGI are trusted diamond grading labs, providing accurate evaluations. However, there are some key differences:
- Geographic popularity: GIA is more popular in the U.S., while IGI dominates Europe and Asia.
- Turnaround time: IGI offers faster certification, often taking just a few days, whereas GIA may take up to a month.
- Cost: GIA certifications tend to be more expensive than IGI’s, which makes IGI the more cost-effective choice, especially for lab-grown diamonds.
- Respect for lab-grown diamonds: IGI is highly regarded for grading both natural and lab-grown diamonds, while GIA was slower to embrace lab-grown diamonds.
- Appraisal services: IGI offers appraisals, which GIA does not. IGI’s appraisals provide a monetary value alongside their grading reports.
GIA is certainly a reputable choice for diamond evaluations and certifications.
However, due to their delay in entering the market for lab grown diamonds, and the higher cost of their evaluations, they sit just below IGI when it comes to lab grown diamond grading.
Cullen Jewellery, where love and craftsmanship come together
Diamond certification is an important aspect of quality assurance, ensuring our clients get what they pay for, and feel confident presenting their partners with an engagement ring with genuine brilliance, fire, clarity and enduring beauty.
All Cullen Jewellery lab grown diamonds come with certification, either from IGI or GIA, offering our clients the most respected certifications for lab grown diamonds available for total peace of mind.
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