What You Should Know About IGI vs GIA Diamonds

 

It’s easy to get lost in the world of diamonds when trying to understand everything from cut, color, clarity, and in this case - value.

Diamond certifications are an excellent indicator of the value of your diamond and essentially put a stamp of approval on its overall quality. Two of the most popular diamond certifications are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). When searching for a ring of quality, it’s important to understand what role both certifications play in your decision so that you can walk away confident in the choice you made.

 

IGI vs GIA Diamonds: What’s The Difference?

You can date diamond certifications as far back as 1931 when the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was founded. Since then, it has become the leading authority in gemology or in layman's terms, the study of precious stones. GIA created the 4Cs (Carat, Cut, Color, Clarity) of diamond quality and the International Diamond Grading System. Their authority in the diamond industry, rigorous standards and consistent grading have made them the most trusted name in diamond certification.

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) was established in 1975 and has since become one of the largest independent laboratories in the world. Much like GIA, IGI provides diamond grading, colored stone identification, and jewelry assessment. It has a global presence with many laboratories around the world.

Now that we’ve gotten a bit of a history lesson on both, understanding the certification process they both uphold is important when posing IGI vs GIA.

Both IGI and GIA have detailed processes for evaluating diamonds. These processes include assessment of carat weight, cut color, and clarity. With that said, GIA is known for its strict grading standards and for developing the system in the first place. Both are reasons why GIA has reigned as the gold standard for high-quality diamonds.

The certification process ultimately boils down to the standards IGI and GIA have in place.

 

IGI and GIA graded oval cut diamonds

 

Which Diamond Certification Is Better?

Understanding the standards and grading criteria of IGI and GIA is a major component of your understanding of the value of your diamond. They are both highly respected organizations, but they have different approaches and standards that can impact how the quality of a diamond is viewed by professionals in the diamond industry.

IGI vs GIA Grading Criteria

Carat Weight:

  • IGI: Measures the carat weight of diamonds with high precision.
  • GIA: Measures with meticulous accuracy to ensure consistency throughout all evaluations.

Cut:

  • IGI: Evaluates cut quality based on a diamond's proportions, symmetry, and polish.
  • GIA: Evaluates cut quality on factors such as brightness, scintillation, weight ratio, and durability. Cut grades range from poor to excellent and only apply to round diamonds.

Color:

  • IGI: Grades color by comparing diamonds under controlled lighting and viewing conditions against master stones.
  • GIA: Grades color using a systematic approach that is viewed as the most stringent in the industry. GIA’s color grades range from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Clarity:

  • IGI: Grades clarity by examining diamonds under 10x magnification to identify inclusions and blemishes.
  • GIA: Also uses 10x magnification to grade clarity and assess the size, color, and other clarity characteristics. GIA clarity grades range from flawless (FL) to included (I3).

As you can see, there are similarities and differences that influence the industry's perception of each lab’s reliability. While IGI is recognized for its accessibility and comprehensive reports and has a strong presence in the lab-grown diamond market, they are also perceived as slightly less rigorous compared to GIA.

GIA has been the standard since its inception due to its rigorous standard which comes with a hefty price tag. Their higher-priced evaluations result in higher-priced diamonds. This can be a concern for some, especially when there are similar grades from laboratories with more favorable pricing.

 

 

Radiant cut lab diamond ring with emerald cut lab diamond wedding band

 

Where Do Lab Grown Diamonds Fall Into The Mix?

Lab-grown diamonds have been taking up more space in the industry since the 50’s. Created using advanced technology that replicates the conditions diamonds are formed, they are chemically and physically identical to traditional diamonds - but at a more affordable price.

When it comes to certification, lab-grown diamonds undergo similar certification processes as natural diamonds. Both IGI and GIA certify lab-grown diamonds based on the same 4Cs criteria. In your search, you might find that other organizations like the American Gem Society (AGS) and the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) also certify lab-grown diamonds. However, IGI is considered the lab diamond certification leader.

 

Why The Lab Grown Diamond Market Needs Certification

As lab-grown diamonds become the prominent choice for quality, eco-friendly, and affordable options, recognition through certification is important for their validity. Certified lab grown diamonds guarantee that the stone meets the industry standards of quality and authenticity. Certification also aids in regulating the market, helping to prevent fraud and misrepresentation of all diamonds.

When you weigh IGI vs GIA certifications, it will inevitably come down to your personal priorities. Whether you choose IGI or GIA certification, understanding what they both are and how they align with what you desire in a diamond is important to know before you finalize your diamond choice. While GIA may offer more stringent grading and higher market trust, IGI provides excellent value and accessibility. Either way, you’ll walk away with a quality product that you can trust to stand the test of time.

Shop Our Feed