By creating criteria that assess a diamond’s quality and worth, diamond grading plays a significant part in the jewelry business. The four Cs—carat weight, color, clarity, and cut—are important determinants of a diamond’s grade.
The term “carat weight” describes a diamond’s actual size. A diamond’s color is rated according to how colorless it is; the most precious diamonds have a D-grade. The existence of any internal or exterior defects, sometimes referred to as inclusions, determines clarity. Lastly, cut describes a diamond’s symmetry and dimensions. These four elements work together to establish a diamond’s overall quality and grade.
Gemological Institute of America:
Robert M. Shipley established the Gemological Institute of America in 1931. He saw that jewelers lacked education, so he set out to develop a system that would protect gemstone consumers and sellers by offering a trustworthy source of knowledge and education. Since then, the GIA’s cutting-edge facilities, exacting grading procedures, and educational initiatives have made it the industry standard for gemstones. The creation of the current 4Cs grading system was arguably its most important achievement.
International Gemological Institute:
Marcel Lorie founded the International Gemological Institute in 1975. Its headquarters are in Antwerp, Belgium, which is regarded as the world’s largest diamond center. It now has laboratories all around the world, establishing a global presence. Similar to the GIA, every diamond undergoes a rigorous examination by qualified gemologists who use cutting-edge technology and adhere to established procedures. Although the IGI is not as well-known as the GIA in some regions, it is making the necessary efforts to improve its standing and establish itself as a more reliable resource for jewelers and consumers alike.
GIA vs. IGI:
Despite being two well-known organizations in the diamond industry, the GIA and the IGI do not share the same criteria.
Their grading criteria represent one of the main distinctions between the two. The GIA is renowned for having higher criteria for color and clarity grading, even though both organizations employ the same grading system. IGI, on the other hand, is renowned for being somewhat more forgiving when it comes to grading, which leads to greater color and clarity scores. For instance, a diamond rated by the GIA would have a slightly lower color grade than one assessed by the IGI, which might have a higher color grade.
Although they are not the same, both organizations provide a grading report for every diamond. The 4 Cs are the primary subject of GIA grading reports, which are usually shorter. In contrast, further information about fluorescence, polish, and symmetry is included in the IGI grading report.
The GIA is a reputable and trustworthy source in the diamond market because it has been in operation longer than the IGI and is widely accepted as the industry standard. In spite of this, the IGI is working hard to enhance its grading scheme and win over customers.
The cost is another significant distinction. Certification is usually more costly than IGI certifications because of the GIA’s better reputation and more stringent grading guidelines. This usually affects the diamond’s total cost. The final cost is determined on the diamond and the certification.
GIA > IGI:
Please feel free to review the accompanying guidance for a better understanding of the distinctions between an IGI-graded report and one that is GIA-graded, as well as a graphic representation of these discrepancies. There is a wide range of gemstones in our virtual collection, including various cuts, hues, carat weights, and clarity grades. To begin the process of selecting the ideal stone, we would be pleased to connect you with one of our skilled design consultants!
