When purchasing diamonds, it is essential to be aware of their grading standard. This helps determine the gia vs igi quality and value of a stone.
GIA and IGI are two of the world’s premier laboratories for diamond certification, though there are slight distinctions between them.
GIA is the Gemmological Institute of America
Since 1931, The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has been the world’s foremost non-profit institute for gemmological research and education. With over 900 diamond experts around the globe, IGI Vs GIA is widely recognized as the go-to laboratory when grading or inspecting diamonds.
GIA is dedicated to consumer protection and education, as well as the training of jewellers and jewellery professionals. Their training in gemmology, coloured stones, pearls, jewellery arts and design has earned them the trust of discerning diamond buyers and jewellers around the world.
GIA operates laboratories and research centres throughout the world, offering their grading and gem identification systems based on the 4Cs of diamond value: carat weight, colour, clarity and cut.
IGI is the International Gemmological Institute
The International Gemmological Institute is the world’s foremost gemmological laboratory. It offers a range of services and programs that enable people to recognize, comprehend and appreciate gemstones through science and technology.
IGI is a premier educational institution, offering courses and services around the world more efficiently than any other gemmological institution. Each year, its schools of gemmology train an impressive number of new jewellery professionals with advanced training programs for design, retail support and business development – making IGI’s schools of gemmology truly global in reach!
IGI has a longstanding reputation of innovation in the jewellery industry, from creating laser-inscription to co-creating Jewellery Identification Reports and pioneering full assessment of lab grown diamonds. Their efforts create a value chain of transparency, authenticity and full disclosure for your clients – making IGI your trusted partner for grading and authentication of gemstones, fine jewellery and precious metals. With such commitment to integrity they remain at the forefront of innovation within this sector.
They both use the same grading system
The GIA and IGI both utilize the same grading system when assessing diamond quality. This system, known as 4Cs, assesses diamond worth based on cut, clarity, and colour and carat weight.
Although not as strict as GIA, they still provide accurate reports and have earned their customers’ trust. Furthermore, IGI produces grading reports quickly – something important for shoppers seeking quick certification.
They distinguish their lab-grown diamond grading reports from those for naturally mined diamonds by using yellow coloured paper with laser inscribed report numbers and “lab-grown” written on the girdle of the stone.
Furthermore, IGI’s grading and reporting systems are more secure than GIA’s. All IGI diamond grading reports are protected by five security features such as micro-printing and holographic. This makes it essential for consumers who need to verify the legitimacy of their diamond grading reports.
They are not a perfect match
When it comes to diamond grading, GIA and IGI are no rivals. While GIA may be better known for their certification process, IGI has made a name for itself in the lab-grown diamond market share. When it comes to certification a diamond as flawless as a human eye, IGI is hands down the clear winner.
Conclusion
Utilizing computer ray-tracing technology, they use sophisticated software that proves your gemstone is more than just an attractive picture. IGI’s crown jewel is their unique lab-grown diamond division – the only one of its kind in the industry – takes longer than usual but with top-notch customer service and fast turnaround times they’re known for.
