IGI: A Top Diamond Certification Authority

Diamond certification is an integral part of the diamond gemstone and diamond jewellery industry. No serious discussion can be had on the subject of diamond quality, authenticity and usability as a part of a fine jewellery item without the expertise provided by a reputed diamond certification authority.

In the diamond and gemstone industry, a handful of companies compete for influence and for the position of the top diamond certifying authority in the world. In this Education page, we will be looking at International Gemological Institute (IGI). One of the top diamond authorities in the world.

Why Diamond Certification Matters

Before we get into the subject of IGI, it is important to know why these companies even exist. The role of diamond certification is important for a number of reasons. The first point is the high cost that is generally associated with this trade. Purchasing diamonds is not a simple business: depending on the gemstones in question, customers could pay anywhere from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of dollars and possibly more.

Thus customers and businesses that trade in these precious stones need to know with absolute certainty what they are buying or selling is the real deal. The role of the diamond certification authority like IGI is to ensure that not only is the gemstone (diamond) in question an authentic stone but that it meets the specific quality criteria with respect to diamond quality factors such as its colour, clarity, cut and colour.

Another key factor is that by having the diamonds certified by an independent authority like IGI, buyers need not worry about the varying standards that companies may employ. Thus one way to ensure that the diamonds in question that are sold by a jewellery company are a solid option is to look for independent diamond verification: that is diamonds which are certified externally by a diamond authority.

A Short Overview of IGI

The world of diamond certification is dominated by a handful of companies. Among the most notable is the GIA which is the oldest. Generally, diamond certifying authorities around the world tend to be compared to this company and with good reason. A point which we shall return to.

Compared to the established authority, the IGI is a relatively new entrant, established almost four decades later in 1975. The International Gemological Institute is the oldest diamond grading institute in Europe. This may not sound a like long time ago, but it is important to know that the diamond grading industry is better positioned in the United States than in Europe.

The IGI which is based in Antwerp, is a well-funded organisation, with around 20 laboratory and research locations set around the world. The IGI has a reputation for not only grading natural cut diamonds but also finished jewellery, and even lab grown diamonds, along with other gemstones. There has been concern regarding the profit-oriented character of IGI’s business practices. Unlike the non-profit nature of the GIA.

IGI Diamond Certification

Now there is some questions about the exact methods that the IGI uses to certify its diamonds. For it clearly differs from the better-understood GIA. The first point to consider is that when it comes to trusting a diamond-certifying authority there are a number of factors that work into it.

For starters, certain diamond-certifying authorities are more popular in certain parts of the world. The IGI is better recognised in Europe and less so in America. But it is well accepted in India, a major player in the diamond industry.

Now when it comes to the certification of diamonds by IGI there is some negative press in the online space which we have to mention. It is not clear how these reports have been developed, but there is some criticism directed towards IGI graded diamonds, especially when it comes to the gemstone’s colour and clarity grades which are claimed by those in the PR space to be somewhat off.

Now we will speculate on these reports here. For one thing, much of this content appears to have a US tilt. With the IGI being a European company. Our advice is that customers no matter what part of the world, do their own research and be willing to ask tough questions from their jewellery companies prior to making a serious diamond purchase.

However, the point remains that IGI maintains one of the most extensive network diamond grading centres in the world, with a strong focus on grading natural and lab-grown diamonds. With the use of laser inscription to mark diamond quality, which is even applied to lab-grown diamonds they are a credible force. However, the GIA shall seem to come out on top as far as public perception is concerned. At least in the Northern Hemisphere.

How Does IGI Compare with GIA on Diamond Certification

As noted one of the main differences between IGI and the more prominent American diamond grading authority is that the latter operates according to a non-profit model. Though technically all companies exist to make money, the GIA does have a strong academic focus that extends beyond diamond certification alone.

In the diamond certification industry, IGI is often viewed as a new kid on the block. Whilst it has a higher number of laboratories around the world, the GIA surpasses it in terms of researchers, diamond graders and other experts (1000+ vs 650). Of course, these numbers are likely to change, but the point remains that GIA is better respected when it comes to providing independent diamond certificates. Particularly for natural diamonds. As noted, IGI’s strength lies in the study and certification of diamonds, particularly lab-grown variants.

IGI operates from the same grading foundation as the GIA. Using the 4Cs of diamonds (though that is not clearly referred to). However, customers may have to pay attention to what part of the world the diamonds are being graded (Europe, America or Africa). As not all grading locations are understood to be the same.

In terms of recognition of diamond quality measures, the GIA still holds the top spot. Especially in America. However in Europe, particularly in non-English speaking countries, IGI has a growing reputation despite its grading methods being somewhat different to the others.