IGI and GIA Certification

While we can distinguish real and fake diamonds through series of test, there are more convincing and convenient way to tell whether stones that you have purchased are real diamonds or not. There are institutions that commission certificates to our diamonds that tell us that they're real and their 4Cs (color, cut, clarity, and carat weight)

So what's the difference between these two certificates?

IGI and GIA : The Tale of 2 Certificates

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) are both renowned gemological laboratories. IGI was established in 1975 and has locations in major diamond and jewelry centers around the world, including New York, Antwerp, Mumbai, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. GIA, on the other hand, was founded in 1931 and has its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, USA, with additional locations in major diamond and jewelry centers around the world

Both organization are dedicated on ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by providing unbiased and accurate grading reports and education to industry professionals and consumers, using a very similar cutting edge technology and methods. Their mission is to protect gem and jewelry consumers by setting and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development.

So What's the Different?

While both uses pretty much similar technology and process to test and assess gemstones, there are 3 key differences between these two.

1. Scope and Focus:

   • IGI: The IGI is an international gemological laboratory that assesses a wide range of gemstones, including diamonds, colored gemstones, and pearls. It also provides jewelry grading and certification services.

   • GIA: The GIA is primarily focused on gemological research, education, and diamond grading. It is highly regarded for its diamond grading reports and gemological expertise.

2. Diamond Grading Standards:

   • IGI: The IGI follows its own grading standards for diamonds, which are generally considered to be slightly more lenient compared to those of the GIA.

   • GIA: The GIA is known for its strict and consistent grading standards, particularly for diamonds. Its diamond grading reports (such as the GIA Diamond Grading Report) are widely trusted in the industry and by consumers.

3. Cost and Turnaround Time:

   • IGI: The IGI may offer grading services at a lower cost compared to the GIA, and it may also have shorter turnaround times for issuing reports.

   • GIA: Grading services from the GIA typically come with higher fees, and the turnaround time for receiving reports may be longer due to the institute's rigorous procedures and high demand.

In conclusion, both institutions provide professional and unbiased assessment for diamonds and gemstones. Both serve the purpose to bring us peace of mind when purchasing our diamonds. The best certification is the one that are awarded to our stones