The world of lab created diamonds has rapidly evolved, providing consumers with a sustainable and equally brilliant alternative to mined diamonds. Among the most important aspects of buying a lab-created diamond is ensuring its quality through a reliable certification. Two of the most prominent organizations in this space are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). While both provide accurate and respected certification for diamonds, there are critical differences when comparing IGI and GIA lab-created diamonds.
The Importance of Certification for Lab-Created Diamonds
When purchasing a lab-grown diamond, certification is indispensable. It acts as a guarantee of the diamond’s authenticity and serves as a comprehensive record detailing the diamond’s characteristics. These reports generally include assessments of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight, and are essential for establishing the quality of the stone. Both IGI and GIA provide certification for lab-grown diamonds, but their approaches and grading standards differ in ways that can significantly affect a diamond’s marketability and price.
GIA: The Gold Standard of Diamond Grading
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the leading authority in the field of diamond certification. Established in 1931, GIA set the benchmark for diamond grading by introducing the 4 Cs—cut, clarity, color, and carat weight—which are now universally accepted across the diamond industry.
Historically, GIA focused on grading natural diamonds, but it has recently expanded its services to include lab-grown diamonds. GIA reports are highly respected due to their stringent grading practices, making GIA-certified lab diamonds a popular choice for buyers seeking credibility and market confidence.
However, when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, GIA was initially slower to adapt. For many years, the institute issued limited reports on synthetic diamonds, often listing them as “synthetic” without providing full grading details. Today, while GIA offers more comprehensive reports on lab-grown diamonds, there are still some key differences in the way they grade these stones compared to natural diamonds.
IGI: A Global Leader in Lab-Created Diamond Certification
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is known for its global reach and comprehensive approach to grading lab-created diamonds. Unlike GIA, IGI embraced lab-grown diamonds earlier and has been at the forefront of certifying them since their rise in popularity.
IGI is often seen as more favorable for lab-grown diamonds, as its grading reports are detailed and inclusive, much like those issued for natural diamonds. For consumers purchasing IGI-certified lab-created diamonds, there’s a sense of consistency, as IGI applies the same grading standards to both mined and lab-grown diamonds.
Many retailers prefer IGI certification for lab-created diamonds due to its less conservative approach to grading. This can sometimes result in diamonds receiving higher grades for color or clarity when compared to GIA-certified diamonds. For some buyers, this translates to a better deal in terms of perceived value, though it’s essential to note that IGI’s grading is sometimes seen as slightly more lenient.
Grading Differences Between IGI and GIA
When comparing IGI vs GIA for lab-grown diamonds, the key lies in their grading scales and the way they approach specific diamond characteristics. Both institutions adhere to the 4 Cs, but there are subtle differences in their interpretation:
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to how well the stone has been shaped and faceted, affecting its brilliance and sparkle. Both IGI and GIA place significant emphasis on cut quality, but GIA tends to be stricter in its grading. For buyers seeking a perfectly cut diamond, GIA-certified lab diamonds may be the preferred choice. IGI, while still rigorous, is known to be slightly more lenient in cut grading, which can result in more diamonds being classified as “Excellent” or “Ideal.”
Color
Color grading in diamonds assesses the presence or absence of color in the stone. GIA uses a scale from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable color). While IGI uses a similar scale, it is often perceived as more generous in its grading. This means that an IGI-certified diamond might receive a higher color grade than the same diamond would if graded by GIA. For consumers, this can create the impression of receiving a better deal when choosing IGI. However, those who prioritize the highest standard of grading may lean towards GIA for its strictness.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes. GIA is known for its rigorous clarity grading, with each diamond undergoing thorough examination under magnification. IGI also provides clarity grades, but as with color, it can be slightly more forgiving. For this reason, a diamond that may receive a SI1 (Slightly Included 1) rating from GIA could be graded as VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2) by IGI.
Carat Weight
Both IGI and GIA use the same standards when measuring the carat weight of a diamond. The weight of a diamond is an objective factor, and there is no room for interpretation. Therefore, whether you choose IGI or GIA certification, the carat weight of the diamond remains consistent across both grading bodies.
Which Certification is Better for Lab-Created Diamonds?
Choosing between IGI and GIA certification for lab-grown diamonds depends largely on your priorities as a buyer. If you value strict grading and are seeking a diamond with the highest possible assurance of quality, then GIA-certified lab diamonds may be the best option. GIA’s reputation for strict and unbiased grading makes it a preferred choice for those who prioritize certification prestige.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lab-grown diamond that offers slightly higher grades for a more competitive price, IGI-certified lab diamonds could be a better choice. IGI’s global presence and its early adoption of lab-grown diamond certification make it a strong contender, particularly in markets where lab-created diamonds are increasingly popular.
Price Differences Between IGI and GIA-Certified Lab Diamonds
Because IGI tends to grade slightly more leniently than GIA, IGI-certified lab diamonds often appear more affordable. For buyers who are budget-conscious, this can be a significant advantage. However, the difference in price may reflect a difference in grading accuracy, which is why GIA-certified lab diamonds may command higher prices despite being visually similar to IGI-graded stones.
The Future of Lab-Created Diamond Certification
As lab-grown diamonds continue to gain popularity, both IGI and GIA are likely to refine their grading practices to meet the evolving needs of the market. For now, both certification bodies provide reliable grading, but the differences in their grading scales and reports mean that buyers must weigh their options carefully.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between IGI vs GIA lab-created diamonds, your choice will depend on your individual preferences and priorities. For those who seek the strictest grading and a premium certification, GIA is often the go-to option. On the other hand, IGI-certified diamonds offer excellent quality at a competitive price point, particularly for those who value affordability and broader grading criteria.
