When purchasing a lab-grown diamond, one of the most important aspects to look for is the certification.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the most respected gemological laboratories globally, and their certification provides essential information about the quality and authenticity of a diamond.
If you're new to diamond shopping, you might wonder how to interpret the information on an IGI certificate.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key details to help you understand your IGI certificate for lab-grown diamonds.
What is an IGI Certificate?
An IGI certificate is an official document that provides an in-depth analysis of a diamond’s characteristics. It is issued by IGI after thoroughly examining the diamond in a laboratory setting.
The certificate includes important details like the diamond's 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), as well as additional features specific to lab-grown diamonds.
Key Elements of an IGI Certificate
When reviewing an IGI certificate for a lab-grown diamond, it's helpful to follow the structure of the report from top to bottom.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements that you’ll find on the certificate:
a. IGI Report Number
The first thing you’ll notice on the certificate is the IGI Report Number. This is a unique identification number that’s tied specifically to the diamond and is also laser-inscribed on the diamond’s girdle (its waist). This number ensures the diamond and its certificate are a match, offering authenticity and traceability.
b. Description
Next, the certificate will clearly state whether the diamond is natural or lab-grown. For lab-grown diamonds, the certificate will explicitly mention "Laboratory-Grown" or "Man-Made," distinguishing it from a natural diamond. This is a crucial part of the certificate as it confirms the origin of the diamond.
c. Diamond Shape and Measurement
This section lists the shape of the diamond (e.g., round, oval, emerald, etc.) and provides precise measurements, including the length, width, and depth of the diamond. The measurements help determine the proportions of the diamond and can affect its appearance.
d. Four Cs
The four Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight—are crucial for determining a diamond's overall quality. While the certificate will provide a summary of each aspect, here’s a quick overview: How to Choose Diamonds by the 4Cs – Elora Lab Diamond Jewelry
- Carat Weight: Indicates the size of the diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams.
- Color: Graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with lab-grown diamonds graded similarly to natural ones.
- Clarity: Measures internal and external imperfections, or inclusions, affecting the diamond's visual appeal.
- Cut: Evaluate how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted, impacting its brilliance.
e. Additional Grading Information
This section includes important details about the polish, symmetry, and fluorescence of the diamond:
- Polish: Evaluates the quality of the diamond’s surface, which can affect its overall shine.
- Symmetry: Assesses how well the facets align, impacting the overall shape and appearance of the diamond.
- Fluorescence: Indicates whether the diamond exhibits fluorescence when exposed to UV light. Some diamonds may show a faint blue glow, which is usually harmless but can affect the diamond’s appearance under certain lighting conditions.
f. Inscription
Finally, the certificate may include details about the inscription on the diamond. This includes any post-growth treatments or growth processes used during the creation of the diamond.
For lab-grown diamonds, this can clarify whether the diamond underwent any special processes, such as High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), which are commonly used to grow diamonds in the lab.
Lab-Grown Diamond Production Methods – Elora Lab Diamond Jewelry
g. Proportions
In this section, the proportions of the diamond are outlined, showing the relationship between various elements of the stone’s shape.
The diagram provides detailed information on the diamond's measurements, such as the table size, depth, crown angle, and pavilion angle, which all affect how the diamond reflects light.
Proper proportions contribute to the diamond’s brilliance and overall aesthetic appeal. For example, the angles and depth percentages are critical factors in determining how well the diamond sparkles.
h. Clarity Characteristics
The clarity characteristics section highlights any internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) features visible in the diamond.
The diagram helps identify where these characteristics are located within the diamond by using a combination of red symbols for internal inclusions and green symbols for external blemishes.
This allows you to visually understand how any imperfections might affect the diamond's overall clarity and appearance.
These symbols give a precise and clear representation of the diamond’s clarity grade, helping you assess whether any inclusions will be noticeable with the naked eye.
Other Information
on the far right of the certificate, you'll find the stamp image showing the unique girdle inscription, a laser-etched number matching the IGI report, ensuring authenticity and verifying the diamond’s details.
This section also includes the color and clarity grading standards. The color scale ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown), while the clarity scale spans from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3), with intermediate grades like VS1 and SI2.
Additionally, the QR code in the bottom right allows you to verify the diamond’s details on the IGI website, ensuring full transparency and confidence in your purchase.
How to Use the IGI Certificate to Make an Informed Decision
When purchasing a lab-grown diamond, the IGI certificate allows you to confidently evaluate the diamond’s quality.
Here's how you can use the certificate:
Compare with Other Diamonds: Use the 4Cs to compare different diamonds, keeping in mind that a diamond with better cut, color, and clarity will generally have more brilliance and value.
Ensure Transparency: The IGI certificate assures you that the diamond has been carefully analyzed and graded by professionals. You can be certain about its authenticity and quality.
Make an Informed Purchase: Understanding the details of the certificate helps you make an informed decision about the diamond you’re purchasing, ensuring it fits your preferences, budget, and style.
Why Choose IGI-Certified Lab-Grown Diamonds?
IGI certification provides credibility and guarantees that you are purchasing a high-quality, ethically sourced lab-grown diamond.
By choosing an IGI-certified lab-grown diamond, you’re getting a stone that meets the highest industry standards. IGI’s detailed, transparent grading system makes it easy for you to trust that the diamond you’re buying is exactly as described.
Conclusion
Reading an IGI certificate may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the basics—such as cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and lab-grown verification—it becomes a powerful tool to help you select the perfect diamond.
At Elora, we ensure that all our lab-grown diamonds come with an IGI certificate, giving you confidence in the quality and authenticity of your purchase.
If you have any further questions or need assistance interpreting your IGI certificate, feel free to reach out to our team!