IGI vs. GIA: Which Certification is Right for Your Lab Grown Diamond?
When you’re buying an engagement ring, certification is your promise of quality. The two most respected names in the world of diamond grading are the International Gemological Institute (IGI) and the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Both are highly accredited and trusted, but a recent industry change has created a clear distinction between them, especially when it comes to lab grown diamonds.
So, which one should you choose? Let's demystify the recent discourse and help you understand why your choice of certification is so important.
The Two Giants of Diamond Grading
For decades, the IGI and GIA have both been considered the top two worldwide graders of all diamonds, both natural and lab-grown. Their reports provide a comprehensive, third-party assessment of a diamond's quality based on the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat. For years, they have both set the standards for the entire industry. However, their recent approaches to lab-grown diamonds tell a very different story.
The GIA's Changing Stance and The Real Story
The GIA is historically known as the "gold standard" for natural diamonds but was slower to embrace the lab-grown market. The cost of a GIA certificate for a lab grown diamond is often as high as or higher than the cost of the diamond itself, making it an impractical choice for both retailers and consumers.
In a move that has caused significant industry discourse, the GIA has started to abandon the traditional 4Cs for lab grown diamonds. They are moving to two broader classifications, "Premium" and "Standard," with this change set to be implemented later in 2025. The GIA's rationale is that over 95% of lab-grown diamonds already fall into a very narrow range of high-quality grades (D-F colour, VVS-VS clarity). GIA feels that this makes the 4Cs less meaningful, while it does show the consistent high-quality seen in lab grown diamonds. They also state that the new system is intended to help consumers differentiate between lab grown and natural diamonds more clearly.
This decision has led many in the industry to believe that the GIA is on the wrong side of diamond history and has sided with the natural diamond market.
The IGI's Consistent Integrity and The Industry's Response
In contrast, the IGI has always been a clear and consistent leader in the lab grown diamond market. Having embraced lab grown diamonds earlier than GIA, the IGI has kept their integrity and continued to grade them with the same clarity and transparency as natural diamonds, using the traditional 4Cs.
The industry's response to GIA's change has been mixed. Natural diamond advocates applaud the move, seeing it as a way to distinguish the two categories. However, many in the lab grown diamond market, including IGI, are expressing concern that this new system could actually create confusion for consumers by removing the detailed, objective grading that the 4Cs provide.
This commitment to consistency has made the IGI the largest independent grader of lab grown diamonds in the world. Their accreditation means that a diamond certified by them has been meticulously graded to the highest standards, giving you complete confidence in your purchase.
Why We Choose IGI
When we looked for a partner to certify our diamonds, the choice was simple. We chose IGI because they align with our core values of transparency, integrity, and consumer empowerment. Their certification gives you a clear, unambiguous report on your diamond's quality, using the same grading system you've always trusted.
This consistency allows us to offer you a stunning, high-quality diamond that is both ethical and transparent.
Explore our collection of beautiful IGI certified lab diamond engagement rings and discover the perfect ring for your story.
