EGL Diamond Certification Explained

If you have been following developments in the diamond industry, either as a jeweller, gemstone buyer, or someone who is on the lookout for fine jewellery featuring cut diamonds, then the subject of diamond certification would have crossed your research.

Unsurprisingly so, since diamond certification is a key part of the diamond trade: from informing potential diamond customers, ensuring quality standards among the key stakeholders who are involved in the trade, and as an important source of knowledge. As the diamonds and gemstone industry is an evolving field, access to new information, and staying up-to-date with developments in the field is of great importance.

When it comes to diamond certification authorities one of the challenges that gemstone and gemstone jewellery buyers are likely to face is competition. As there is more than one top diamond authority in the world. So on this Education page, we will break down the features of European Gemological Laboratories or EGL.

A Short History of EGL Diamond Certification

EGL is a relatively new kid on the block. That the diamond grading industry goes back to the early part of the 20th century, with a number of the oldest and arguably the most reputable authorities like the GIA making their mark in the early 1930s. EGL was founded in 1974, in Antwerp, Belgium, by a man called Guy Margel. And today it is widely, regarded despite some negative publicity from American competitors, that we shall get to-as a European base for diamond certification.

The EGL, or European Gemological Laboratories, is different in that it is not a single entity, but rather it is a network of independent gemstone grading businesses. That operates as one. EGL’s presence is considerable: with independent diamond grading labs now established in places as far apart as New York, to South Africa; from London to Tel Aviv and Delhi.

What Makes EGL Different?

The strength of the EGL business model is its vast affiliated organizations, which actually function as independent businesses, but employ the EGL brand, whose grading standards they subscribe to. In addition, EGL differs from other top diamond authorities in that it operates according to a for-profit mode.

Thus EGL also works (more) closely with jewellery companies and diamond traders: offering services dedicated designed to ensuring its stakeholders benefit from its certification processes and other relevant expertise. Whilst its for-profit model has been the subject of criticism from its competitors, EGL has managed to crave out a presence in the diamond world.

Is EGL Diamond Certification Reputable?

This is arguably the most important question anyone would have when it comes to picking a diamond-certifying authority. As there are options available if the customers or business so wish. When it comes to EGL its reputation lies with its vast networks of independent diamond authorities which operate under the authority of the EGL standard. However, the certification provided by each of these authorities, which are spread across the world may vary from country to country, organization to organization and also the time.

Given the for-profit model that EGL adopts some questions have been raised when it comes to the type of incentives that are involved with diamonds that are graded by them. Fine jewellery companies that trade in gemstones certified by EGL often vary depending on the company in question. This is partly due to the lack of a unifying authority to oversee the diamond certification of all diamond and diamond jewellery companies that are its affiliates.

When it comes to the quality of the diamond certification, research indicates that are differences between diamonds certified by certain branches of the EGL. With those in the United States (EGL USA) being of a higher overall standard. In addition to certain distinct services, such as laser engraving and inscription of diamonds, a key quality measure, is reserved for EGL USA diamonds.

Does EGL Certify Lab Grown Diamonds?

Yes. EGL does certify lab grown diamonds. This may seem like a trivial point for some, but lab-grown diamonds are a big and growing business. And those who are seeking a top-quality carbon-based stone that measures up to the standards in terms of diamond colour, clarity, cut and carat, but only in its man-made form, are free to check out EGL for certification.

Is EGL as good as GIA?

If you have done any research online regarding this matter, the answer to this question is likely to be negative. Though not entirely, there appears to be a consensus, at least among diamond and diamond jewellery companies based in the US, regarding the subpar diamond quality adopted by EGL. We rather not delve too much into this, as the customer ought to form his/her own opinions. But according to findings, EGL does, at least on average, take a laxer approach when it comes to measuring diamond clarity and to a lesser extent diamond colour.

However, EGL does provide solid diamond grading reports, that go into some detail about the inner character of the stone. Rather than just commenting on diamond clarity (IF – I); ELG reports actually provide a breakdown of the particular inner and outer character of the stone, as it pertains to its clarity. But from a consumer standpoint, EGL may not necessarily be the best choice, but that may change depending on the particular EGL affiliate organization in question.

It is also worth mentioning, that as something of an industry first, EGL provides SI3 clarity diamond diamonds. Which sits below SI2 but above the first included I1 stones. Some in the industry have criticised this move. But others could see it as providing more selection options for buyers.