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Home » Loose Diamonds Education » Loose Diamonds Certificates » IGI Loose Diamond Certificates

Certified Loose Diamonds

Certified Loose Diamonds by IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI)

It is impossible to discuss diamond certification without mentioning The International Gemological Institute (IGI).

IGI Diamond History

IGI is the world's largest and most respected gem appraisal and grading institute. It is recognized for its expertise, and known for its exacting standards.
IGI was established in 1975, making it one of the world's oldest gemological institutes in Antwerp. It was originally a small operation with just 3 gemologists. In the last 30 years, it has expanded to include nearly 500 gemologists and scientific technicians.

The IGI provides over a million gem certifications a year. Clients include jewelers (both traditional and those who sell loose diamonds online), insurance companies, international law offices, certified public accounting companies, and private consumers.
The requests have increased significantly in the last years. Twenty years ago only professional jewelers had any need or desire to get an IGI grading. But now consumers are buying loose diamonds, and have become more aware of the 4 C's and the need to get accurate and objective information.
To keep up with the demand, the IGI holds several offices all over the world, in key cities like New York, Tokyo, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles and Cavalese.

IGI Diamond Certification

Any diamond that is submitted to IGI is put through a rigorous grading process. An entire team of graduate gemologists is assigned. They use top-of-the-line technology to measure the diamond's 4 C's.
To determine weight, the IGI specialists use an electronic balance. This machine can actually measure up to the ten-thousandth carat! Then the team rigorously examines each angle and facet of the stone, evaluating the stone's symmetry and polish. Does it reflect light efficiently? How precise are the cuts? Only then can they give a quantitative analysis on the diamond's brilliance, or how it delivers that eye-catching shine.
The team must then put the stone under a very powerful microscope and loupe to check the diamond's internal quality, or clarity. They will be able to spot even the minutest imperfections, often missed by inexperienced jewelers (which is why a certification is crucial when purchasing any stone that claims to be flawless or near flawless). Color is checked by comparing the diamond to similar stones.
The gemologists each submit their report, which must verify each other's information.

IGI Diamond Reports

The IGI actually issues three different types of reports.
The Diamond Report authenticates a diamond by documenting its 4 C's. This is the standard report that is often displayed with the stone in the jewelry stores. For very large and valuable stones, the IGI can also include a very small version of the report in the actual container, which is sealed to prevent tampering.
The IGI can also make an Identification Report. This is more visual, with a large photograph of the diamond (rather than the quantitative information provided in the Diamond Report). This normally tackles proportions and measurements, and is often used when the diamond has already been put into a jewelry setting.
Lastly, the Appraisal Report is usually given to insurance companies, and provides a general estimate of what it would cost to replace the stone.

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