Are you wondering about the differences between the GIA and IGI? What is the difference and which one you should purchase your diamond certified by?
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Color grading
Color grading between igi vs gia can be confusing for diamond professionals and consumers. This confusion can arise from the differences in terminology for each shade. In some cases, the two organizations use a different set of master stones to grade color.
Both GIA and IGI are known for their strict grading standards. However, there are other labs that purport to be more consistent. These labs are also known for their reliability and accuracy.
AGS is a sister organization to GIA, and it fills a niche with a cut grade. Unlike GIA, AGS does not provide a full certificate for lab-grown diamonds. They do, however, provide reports that look and feel like natural diamonds.
Clarity
Many consumers are confused by the differences between GIA and IGI, but these two grading bodies have similarities and differences. The grading methods, though, are fairly unique. For one, IGI tends to give more G diamonds than you’d expect. However, this doesn’t mean that all IGI certificates are a dud.
Similarly, GIA has taken its time to come up with the most accurate and relevant color grade system. This may be attributed to the small sample size used for the grading. In some cases, it’s a simple matter of comparing grading lamps, which means that there is only a one point difference between IGI and GIA.
Despite its flaws, the GIA is still the gold standard in the diamond grading world. It is also a leader in consumer education. They produce extensive reports on natural diamonds, which include the four Cs of color, cut, carat weight, and polish. Also, its certification methods are quite robust. A single GIA certificate takes a month to process. So, you can see why GIA is the go-to diamond grading service for many jewelry stores and manufacturers.
Cost
The cost of a GIA certification is about a tenth of what you would pay for a similar grade diamond with no certification. There are several factors that can influence the price of your diamond. It is not unusual for a GIA certified diamond to fetch a premium over a comparable stone uncertified. Generally speaking, you should buy a GIA certification diamond if you want a high-end diamond.
IGI has several accolades to its name, and one of them is the fact that it is the go-to lab for most top-tier jewelry retailers. The cost of a GIA certificate varies based on the type of report and the size of the diamond. A GIA report is also more expensive than a comparable report from IGI.
The cost of an IGI cert is around 7-8% less than an equivalent igi vs gia report. The IGI has several global offices, and they are a bit more active in the rough and polished grading arenas. The IGI’s big draw is the time it takes to certify your diamond. Depending on the grading method you select, it can take as little as five days.
Diamond Should You Buy?
It’s important to know the difference between GIA and IGI to make sure that you’re buying a high-quality diamond. Both are reliable, but they have different standards.
GIA is a well-known jewelry grading lab. They are the gold standard for grading natural and lab grown diamonds. However, there are other gem labs that have looser standards. For example, some have been purported to grade colorless lab grown diamonds.
The IGI is a global gemological institute with 17 satellite offices throughout the world. Its headquarters are in Antwerp, Belgium. This location allows it to be near numerous diamond mines.
The basic dimensions
The IGI also has its own certification, which is the best way to assess the quality of lab-grown diamonds. Their report includes the basic dimensions, color, clarity, polish, and symmetry of the diamond.
However, the certificate provided by GIA is more detailed and includes a plotting of inclusions. In addition, the girdle of the diamond will be inscribed with a serial number.
Conclusion
While GIA can be more expensive than the IGI, their certificate provides a better description of the quality of a lab-grown diamond. You can expect to pay around 7-8% less for a diamond that has a GIA certified versus one that has an IGI certification.
