When it comes to grading lab grown diamonds, IGI is the largest gemological organization in the world. However, their reports are very limited in factual content, and their certification costs are significantly higher than those of GIA. If you are interested in buying a lab grown diamond, then you should consider using IGI as your source.
IGI is the largest gemological organization in the world
The International Gemological Institute is the largest independent gem certification and appraisal organization in the world. With offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, and Kolkata, the Institute offers certification for diamonds, colored stones, and jewelry. It also runs schools of gemology in several cities worldwide.
The IGI operates more than 20 labs around the world that analyze and grade gemstones and finished jewelry. It also operates 14 gemological schools that educate future jewelry professionals. In 2005, the IGI pioneered lab-grown diamond grading. It also set new standards for authenticity and disclosure. The organization has a commitment to transparency, and issues more lab-grown diamond reports than any other organization.
The IGI also offers expanded services, such as laser engraving. This allows gemologists to permanently inscribe a company’s logo on a diamond’s girdle. While the inscription is visible under 10x magnification, it does not affect the diamond’s quality. The IGI has also been a pioneer in diamond sealing, making it the industry’s most recognized and preferred method.
It offers full grading services for lab-grown diamonds
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) offers full grading services for lab-created diamonds. The company has offices around the world and headquarters in Asia. The grading procedures followed by the IGI are highly accurate and are conducted according to the same standards as those used for GIA-certified diamonds. The company also uses advanced technology to ensure the authenticity of its diamond reports.
The IGI Natural Diamond Report features an evaluation of the 4Cs, a clarity plot and a standardized diamond photograph. The Laboratory Grown Diamond Report has an additional supplementary feature: it offers a cut-grade and a Hearts-and-Arrows assessment. Hearts-and-arrows diamonds are associated with Excellent-Ideal cuts, which are associated with superior quality.
While many people believe that lab-grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds, this is not true. Lab-grown diamonds are manufactured in controlled labs, unlike natural diamonds. To distinguish them from the natural ones, each of them is laser-inscribed with a report number and the words “lab grown.” It is best to only purchase lab-grown diamonds when they come with a grading report issued by an authentic laboratory.
Its reports are limited in facts
When deciding on the type of diamond to buy, you should understand that not all diamonds are created equal. Each lab has its own way of grading diamonds, and a diamond that is certified by one lab will not necessarily be the same as one certified by another. In addition, diamond grading is a subjective process. While both labs rely on the Four Cs system, their reports may differ.
If you are considering purchasing a diamond that has been sourced from a lab, you can use either igi vs gia reports. The GIA is a reputable and trusted organization, but there are some differences between IGI and GIA. IGI diamonds are a more affordable option than GIA diamonds. The IGI lab will not charge you a fortune to certify a stone, but the GIA certificate can push the price up significantly.
The GIA is an institution in the jewelry industry and is supported by the mined diamond industry. This has created suspicion that the GIA may be biased. For years, the GIA did not treat lab-grown diamonds equally when it came to grading reports. The diamond trade organization has been known to exert influence over GIA to discourage the sale of man-made diamonds.
Its certification costs are higher than GIA
Compared to IGI vs GIA lab grown certification costs are higher, but it also boasts a faster turnaround time. It operates more like a factory and produces grading reports quickly compared to about a month for GIA. Both certification agencies charge different prices, depending on the carat weight of the diamond and the type of report requested. Nevertheless, many customers still prefer GIA’s certifications.
While IGI is more widely used in Europe and Asia, GIA is the first choice in the U.S. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that IGI’s grading scale is less precise than GIA’s. Also, as diamonds wear over time, the certificates you get may not reflect the diamond’s current grading. If the certificate is older than three years, it may not reflect the diamond’s quality.
Conclusion
GIA certifies diamonds more precisely and more accurately. In general, IGI certified diamonds cost about eight percent less than GIA certified diamonds. However, consumers should consider that IGI does not offer diamond appraisals. Although the diamonds are not as high quality as GIA’s, IGI’s diamonds are much cheaper. A GIA certificate is more reliable than an IGI one because it allows you to compare prices of similar stones in the same category.
