IGI Certification
Learn about the International Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the leading organizations in the diamond certification industry, trusted worldwide for its grading standards and reliability.
Expertise you can trust: All of our guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.
What Is IGI?
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a globally recognized diamond and gemstone grading organization established in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium. As one of the world's largest independent gemological laboratories, IGI has built a solid reputation in the diamond industry over the past several decades.
IGI maintains facilities in major diamond centers worldwide, including New York, Antwerp, Mumbai, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. The institute employs skilled gemologists who use state-of-the-art technology to evaluate diamonds and other gemstones according to internationally recognized standards.
In addition to diamond grading, IGI offers educational programs covering various aspects of the jewelry industry, including jewelry design, diamond grading, and gemstone identification.
What is IGI Diamond Certification?
IGI certification involves a thorough examination and evaluation of a gemstone or piece of jewelry to determine its quality and authenticity. The grading process considers several factors, including the stone’s color, clarity, cut, and carat weight, as well as any treatments or enhancements that may have been applied.
IGI certification is particularly popular for laboratory-grown diamonds, as the institute was among the first to develop specific grading parameters for these stones. IGI also provides certification for mounted jewelry pieces, offering a complete assessment of both the gemstones and the craftsmanship.
IGI certification provides consumers with a reliable and objective assessment of a gemstone’s quality, helping them to make informed purchasing decisions. It also helps to prevent fraud and misrepresentation in the gemstone industry by providing a standardized system for evaluating and grading gemstones.
Sample information covered in an IGI Diamond Certification Report:
- Certification Date: The date the diamond was examined and certified by IGI
- Report Number: A unique identification number assigned to the specific diamond certificate
- Diamond Description: Indicates the type of diamond
- Shape and Cutting Style: Describes the geometric form and faceting pattern of the diamond
- Measurements: The physical dimensions of the diamond in millimeters, typically representing length x width x depth.
- Carat Weight: The mass of the diamond expressed in carats
- Color Grade: Rates the diamond's colorlessness on a scale typically ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
- Clarity Grade: Evaluates the presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions or blemishes)
- Polish: Rates the smoothness of the diamond's facet surfaces
- Symmetry: Evaluates how precisely the facets align with each other
- Fluorescence: Indicates how the diamond reacts under ultraviolet light
- Inscription: Notes any laser inscriptions on the diamond, which typically include the certificate number for identification purposes
- Comments: Additional information about the diamond that doesn't fit in other categories
IGI vs. GIA: What’s the Difference?
IGI and GIA are two of the most reputable and widely recognized diamond certification organizations in the world. Both IGI and GIA provide diamond grading reports that offer information about a diamond’s quality and characteristics. However, there are some differences between the two certifications.
- Grading Standards: IGI and GIA have slightly different grading standards.
- Grading Methodology: Both organizations use a similar methodology for grading diamonds, which involves evaluating the 4 C’s (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight).
In summary, while both IGI and GIA are reputable certification organizations, they have some differences in grading standards, methodology, and report format.
IGI vs. GIA: Which Diamond Certification is Best?
Neither certification is universally "best" – as both IGI and GIA are reputable diamond grading laboratories that provide reliable and accurate diamond certification based on stringent grading standards. Rather than viewing one as superior, consider your specific circumstances and purchase from reputable retailers who provide complete documentation regardless of certification type. Both organizations provide valuable consumer information that helps ensure you receive the quality and value you expect from your diamond purchase.
All Valentina Rings diamonds are independently verified for quality characteristics and origin. On every diamond product page, we provide diamond certificates or grading reports from unbiased gemology labs, which offer expert opinions on the diamond’s quality. Skilled gemologists equipped with specialized tools measure the diamond’s weight and dimensions and evaluate its cut, color, and clarity. Our diamonds are certified by the world’s top gem grading labs, such as GIA, IGI, HRD, and GCAL. If you want an electronic copy of a diamond’s lab certificate, please get in touch with us.