IGI Diamond Certificates – A Guide to IGI Diamond Grading Reports
What is a diamond certificate?
For those who are unaware already, only those diamonds submitted to a laboratory for certification receive a report. This report (or certificate) details important characteristics of the diamond. Details such as the shape, carat weight, measurements, colour and clarity are noted along with other details such as the cut grade where applicable. The certificate usually has a specific unique report number and represents an important element of reassurance when purchasing diamonds (usually above 0.20 – 0.25cts)
We have already noted the different diamond grading laboratories responsible for producing diamond reports. A diamond report and a certificate are the two terms for the document produced following diamond grading at such an institution. There are many organisations providing this service. There is always an ongoing debate about which laboratory the most reputable. Many people would advocate GIA, but since so many diamonds in circulation include IGI certification, we thought it was worth some further details on this laboratory.
What does IGI stand for?
IGI stands for International Gemological Institute. Their own website notes their extensive laboratory presence in many countries across the globe.
“IGI is the largest organization of its kind, with offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur, Surat, Chennai and Shanghai. The IGI School of Gemology operates from Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai and Cavalese, offering a variety of courses designed for professionals and consumer enthusiasts alike.”
Established in 1975, IGI remains one of the largest institutions for diamond certification. GIA sets itself apart from IGI by being a non-profit organisation, but IGI like most other laboratories are profit-making organisations. Like GIA, IGI now offers an online verification for their diamond grading, but this applied only to diamonds graded after June 2004.
Diamond reports – 3 sizes of the diamond grading report
Typically there are three sizes of diamond grading report. The largest is near A4 sized, and usually includes a diamond map, showing inclusions and blemishes. The second size is passport sized, and carries less detail (such as the diamond diagram.) The third size is an abbreviated credit card size with basic information noted, such as shape, measurements, colour and clarity.
Are IGI certified diamonds trustworthy?
In our opinion yes. Many people will favour GIA, above IGI, but especially in Europe, IGI is one of the strongest organisations for diamond certification. A large amount of diamonds in circulation are IGI certified and their grading remains consistent and reliable.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
