What is the IGI Laboratory?

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IGI, GIA, and HRD and EGL certificates allow you to assess the quality of a diamond even if you are not an expert or professional. Not only do they attest to its quality, but they also gather information about the diamond. Let's focus on the IGI certificate: what does it entail? What is its purpose?

What does the acronym IGI stand for?

IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute. Founded in 1975, this institute is the world's largest independent gemological laboratory and the first to offer sealed certified diamonds for protection.

IGI laboratories can be found in major cities worldwide, such as New York, Hong Kong, New Delhi, and Toronto.

IGI issues a certificate to attest to a diamond's quality. After analyzing the diamond, IGI experts number and seal it in a rigid plastic pouch. It is of course always possible to open the sealed pouch without the diamond losing its certificate.

The diamond certified by IGI comes with a passport-sized report containing a detailed analysis of all its characteristics: carat weight, color, clarity, proportions, symmetry, polish, etc. These characteristics are also modeled in a diagram.

What are the objectives of IGI?

IGI aims to provide a reliable benchmark for assessing diamond quality. This certification is particularly useful for professionals specializing in diamond buying and reselling, or creating diamond jewelry, as well as for individuals looking to purchase a diamond.

IGI indeed has a team of expert gemologists equipped with cutting-edge technology. Thus, each diamond can be analyzed precisely and accurately. Four characteristics are specifically analyzed (the famous 4Cs):

• Carat (diamond weight)
• Diamond color: assessed on a scale from D to Z, from colorless to yellow, and by comparison with colored stones. Fluorescence is also evaluated on a scale from None to Strong.
• Clarity: diamond clarity is evaluated using a microscope and a 10x magnifying loupe, then placed on a scale from Flawless (IF) to Imperfect (I3)
• Cut: the diamond's cut. The polish, proportions (crown, pavilion, girdle, culet) and symmetry are examined. The finer the cut, the better the grade.

IGI also offers educational programs to share and disseminate its expertise in the field.

IGI Certification: How It Works

IGI certification comes in two formats:

• IGI Diamond Report: contains a detailed analysis of the diamond's characteristics (carat weight, color, clarity, polish, symmetry, proportions), modeled by a diagram.
• IGI Diamond ID: a passport-sized document presenting the same information as the report, but without the diagram. You can also choose a more compact format (credit card size) if you wish.
• IGI Hearts & Arrows Diamond Report: a report dedicated to evaluating the diamond's optical symmetry.

Why Obtain IGI Certification?

IGI certification is one of the most renowned, along with HRD and GIA. However, certification is essential to guarantee diamond quality, whether you are a professional or an individual. IGI certification ensures the diamond's authenticity and quality. It will also help establish the diamond's value and is therefore indispensable when selling a diamond.

What is the Difference Between IGI and GIA?

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) has been the reference laboratory in the United States since its founding in 1931. It also originated the diamond grading system used by laboratories, including IGI (the 4Cs). However, IGI analysis reports are more common in Europe and Asia, with over 400,000 reports per year.

IGI analysis reports are slightly less precise than GIA's: this is partly due to IGI having many laboratories worldwide, which do not necessarily share a common standard. As a result, grades may be slightly higher than with GIA, and certain characteristics, such as clarity and color, may vary between reports. The most reliable laboratories are those in New York and Antwerp.

Selling an IGI Diamond

With Diamantaires Paris OG, you can sell an IGI certified diamond and obtain a free evaluation.
Our appraisals are without any obligation to purchase on your part.

You can request an appraisal by phone Monday to Friday at: +33 1 48 87 23 37.
Alternatively, you can request an appraisal of your diamond by email at: [email protected]

We guarantee the best prices. If you hold a direct buyback offer from a competitor, we will not only match it but also commit to offering you a higher bid.

Appraise Your IGI Diamond

Learn More About Other Gemological Laboratories

What is GIA?

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IGI DIAMOND

We guarantee the best prices. If you hold a direct buyback offer from a competitor, we will not only match it but also commit to offering you a higher bid and

European Gemological Laboratory (EGL)

The European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) is one of the few gemological laboratories authorized to issue certification attesting to the value of a diamond, along with

The French Gemological Laboratory

01 48 87 23 37 Our customer service is available free of charge for more information about the French Gemological Laboratory. You can

Sell an HRD Diamond

To distinguish a real diamond from a fake or to know the true value of a diamond, some laboratories produce analysis reports or authenticity certificates. These

IGI, or International Gemological Institute, is the world's largest independent gemological laboratory, founded in 1975. It is renowned for issuing certificates attesting to diamond quality.

IGI laboratories are located in major global cities such as New York, Hong Kong, New Delhi, and Toronto.

The IGI certificate provides a detailed analysis of a diamond, including its carat weight, color, clarity, proportions, symmetry, and polish. It comes with a passport-sized report and a diagram representing these characteristics.

The IGI certificate is useful for both professionals (buying, reselling diamonds, creating jewelry) and individuals looking to purchase a diamond. It guarantees the diamond's authenticity and quality and helps establish its value.

GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the reference laboratory in the United States and created the diamond grading system used by IGI. IGI reports are more common in Europe and Asia. They may be slightly less precise than GIA reports, due to variability among different IGI laboratories.

At the heart of Paris, Diamantaire Paris stands out for its unmatched expertise in the appraisal and sale of precious diamonds. Our team of experts uses rigorous and recognized appraisal methods, particularly those of the IGI, to ensure that each diamond is estimated at its true value, guaranteeing our clients a transparent and fair transaction.

For those looking to sell a bracelet or any other precious jewel, we offer a free appraisal and in-depth expertise to ensure you receive an offer matching the true value of your piece. Our jewelry store in Paris is a sanctuary where tradition meets modernity, offering a secure and confidential setting for all your transactions.

We understand that every diamond has its story, which is why we also offer services for those looking to purchase a Van Cleef & Arpels vintage parure, guaranteeing authentic and high-quality pieces. Additionally, for those looking to invest in diamonds, we offer expert advice to choose the right diamond, taking into account all important criteria, including the price of a 2-carat diamond.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every interaction with our clients. Whether you are looking to sell a diamond, obtain a free jewelry appraisal, or simply explore the fascinating world of diamonds, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit our jewelry store or contact us to discover how we can help you achieve your high jewelry aspirations.