GIA vs. IGI Diamond Grading

When searching for the perfect diamond, quality is crucial. Leading organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) have established strict grading protocols, ensuring consistency and reliability in diamond evaluation.

Diamond Grading

Diamond grading plays an important role in the jewelry industry by establishing standards that evaluate a diamond’s quality and value. The 4Cs are key factors that determine a diamond’s grade and include carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. 

Carat weight refers to the physical size of a diamond. Color is graded based on the diamond’s absence of color, with a D-grade being the most colorless and most valuable of all. Clarity is determined through the presence of any internal or external flaws, also known as inclusions. Finally, cut refers to the proportions and symmetry of a diamond. Together, these four factors determine the overall quality and grade of a diamond.

Gemological Institute of America

The Gemological Institute of America was founded in 1931 by a man named Robert M. Shipley. He noticed that there was a lack of education amongst jewelers and he wanted to create a system that protected both buyers and sellers of gemstones by providing a reliable source of education and information about gemstones. Since then, the GIA has become the industry standard when it comes to gemstones, with its state of the art facilities, rigorous grading processes, and educational programs. Perhaps its most significant contribution was the establishment of the 4Cs grading system that we use today.

International Gemological Institute

The International Gemological Institute was established in 1975 by Marcel Lorie. It is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, widely known as the largest diamond center in the world. Today, it has established a global presence with laboratories across the world. In the same fashion as the GIA, each diamond goes through a meticulous process in which they are carefully examined by trained gemologists using advanced technology and following standard protocols. While not as widely recognized as the GIA in certain markets, the IGI is taking the steps needed to build up its reputation and become a more trusted source for both consumers and jewelers. 

GIA vs. IGI

The GIA and the IGI are two prominent organizations in the diamond industry, but that doesn’t mean they have the same standards. 

One key difference between the two lies in their grading standards. While both organizations use the same grading methodology, the GIA is known to have stricter standards in their color and clarity grading. IGI, on the other hand, is known to be a bit more lenient in their grading , resulting in higher color and clarity grades. For example, an IGI graded diamond may have a higher color grade, whereas the same diamond would have a color grade that’s a bit lower if it were graded by the GIA. 

Both organizations offer a grading report for each diamond, but they are not the same. GIA grading reports are typically more concise, with the focus mainly being on the 4 Cs. The IGI grading report, on the other hand, includes additional details such as fluorescence, polish, and symmetry.

The GIA has been around for longer than the IGI and it’s widely recognized as the industry standard, making it a trusted and reliable source in the diamond industry. Despite this, the IGI is making strides to improve its grading system and, moreover, gain the trust of consumers. 

Another key difference is in pricing. Due to the GIA’s stronger reputation and stricter grading protocol, certification is typically more expensive than IGI certifications. This tends to impact the overall cost of the diamond. The certification, along with the diamond, determines the final cost. 

GIA > IGI

To get a better understanding of the differences in a GIA-graded report versus that of the IGI, along with a visual representation, feel free to explore the following guide. Our virtual inventory has a large selection of gemstones to choose from, across different colors, cuts, carat weights, and clarity grades. And, if you need any assistance choosing the perfect gem, we’d be more than happy to set you up with one of our trained design consultants to get started!