Igi Vs Gia Diamond Certification

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.

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 differ slightly on their approach when it comes to the grading and evaluation of 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. GIA's turbulent history with acknowledging lab grown diamonds and certifying them alongside mined diamonds mean 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 4Cs ) as well as weight and proportion, providing invaluable reassurance and the seal of quality to lab grown diamond engagement rings and special occasion jewellery.

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, using cutting-edge technology to examine each diamond on its merits, rather than its origin.

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.

GIA has recently changed how they grade lab grown diamonds, cementing their preference for mined diamonds and leaving IGI as the largest laboratory that continues to use the 4Cs grading system for lab grown diamonds. The GIA grading system for lab grown diamonds has moved to a more descriptive assessment, classifying most lab diamonds as either 'Premium' or 'Standard'. Grouping characteristics from the 4Cs like Colour and Clarity into ranges. While GIA diamond certification is widely recognised, especially in the United States, these recent changes may lead many to prioritise IGI for lab grown diamonds as their certificates will provide more information compared to the GIA's more descriptive reports.