IGI vs GIA: Diamond Certification Explained
At Lily Arkwright, we know how meaningful a diamond purchase truly is. Whether it's the centrepiece of an engagement ring or a sparkling celebration of life’s milestones, choosing the right diamond is a deeply personal decision. Alongside beauty and craftsmanship, one factor that should never be overlooked is certification, the official assurance of a diamond’s quality and authenticity.
Two globally recognised authorities in diamond grading are the IGI (International Gemological Institute) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). While both are respected and reputable, especially for natural diamonds, when it comes to lab grown diamonds, they take noticeably different approaches.
History of Diamond Grading
The GIA, established in 1931, has long been the gold standard in natural diamond grading. In fact, they pioneered the 4Cs, Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat, which remain the universal language of diamond quality. They introduced defined standard for different diamond shapes and cuts, allowing for easier and more exact classification.
However, GIA was slow to embrace lab grown diamonds. Despite receiving lab-created stones for examination as early as the 1970s, GIA didn’t begin issuing formal grading reports for lab grown diamonds until 2007. This hesitation was largely influenced by the preferences of major diamond industry players, including De Beers, who favoured mined stones. As a result, GIA’s early reputation among consumers seeking ethical, sustainable diamonds was somewhat diminished.
In contrast, IGI, founded in 1975, took a more forward-thinking approach. They began grading lab grown diamonds in 2005, recognising the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to mined stones. Their early adoption of lab grown certification has positioned them as a market leader in this field, and today, IGI is widely regarded as the authority on lab grown diamonds. If you would like to delve into the differences between lab and natural diamonds, our handy comparison guide is a great tool to weigh up the differences between them directly.
IGI vs GIA
Both IGI and GIA use the traditional 4Cs to grade diamonds, whether natural or lab grown. However, IGI has tailored their process specifically to reflect the characteristics and nuances of lab grown stones. Each lab grown diamond submitted to IGI is anonymised in unbranded containers, then graded by multiple gemologists at different stages to ensure objectivity. IGI also uses the same colour and clarity grading scales used for natural diamonds, ensuring consistency and transparency across the board.
Importantly, IGI lab grown reports are colour-coded yellow to distinguish them from mined diamond certificates. The diamonds themselves are laser inscribed with a unique report number and the words "lab grown" on the girdle, offering peace of mind to buyers and easy traceability.
GIA, though later to the lab grown market, now also provides detailed Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports (LGDR). These include the full 4Cs, a diagram of inclusions, and details about how the diamond was created. GIA also notes whether any post-growth treatments have been applied to alter colour. Their reports are digital and come with verification tools that confirm authenticity.
Yet, despite these advancements, GIA’s lab grown reports tend to take longer to produce, sometimes several weeks, and are generally more expensive than IGI’s. Additionally, GIA does not offer monetary appraisals alongside grading, while IGI provides full appraisals that can be useful for insurance or resale purposes.
Lily Arkwright Blossom Trilogy Ring
Evolving Standards in the Industry
It’s also worth noting that GIA recently announced plans to update their approach to lab grown diamonds. Later this year, they will begin issuing a new style of grading report that moves away from the traditional 4Cs in favour of descriptive assessments tailored specifically for lab grown stones. This shift recognises that lab grown diamonds, while chemically and optically identical to their mined counterparts, may require a different framework for evaluation to fully capture their unique growth process and traceability.
This move reflects a broader shift in the jewellery industry, one that acknowledges lab grown diamonds not merely as a substitute for mined stones, but as a distinct category in their own right. Current engagement ring trends prioritise this ethical approach to shopping, as lab diamond rings grow exponentially in popularity.
Alongside diamonds, interest in other lab-grown gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, is on the rise, with Chatham's lab-grown gemstones leading the market for their exceptional colour, clarity, and consistency. Similarly, moissanite continues to grow in popularity as a brilliant and durable alternative to diamonds, with Charles & Colvard setting the standard in premium moissanite and Lily Arkwright’s own expertly curated moissanite collection offering a stunning and sustainable choice for modern couples.
Diamond Certification at Lily Arkwright
At Lily Arkwright, we exclusively offer diamonds that are fully certified by either IGI or GIA. Our diamond specialists meticulously hand-select each stone, ensuring every diamond meets our exacting standards for brilliance, symmetry, polish, and lustre. We also ensure our diamonds are free from fluorescence, a feature that can sometimes impact a stone’s appearance in certain lighting.
Customers are always welcome to request a specific type of certification. Whether you prefer the faster turnaround and lab grown expertise of IGI, or the longstanding heritage and detail-rich reporting of GIA, we are here to help you make an informed and confident choice. Our team is available via online or in-person consultation for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into the specifics of either certification body and how they may impact your final selection.
Lily Arkwright Elongated Cushion Lulu Ring
Our Commitment
At Lily Arkwright, we are committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and outstanding quality. Choosing a certified lab grown diamond from us means you are investing in a future-facing, conflict-free stone with the sparkle and integrity to last a lifetime. Whether IGI or GIA, you can trust that your diamond is graded with care, precision, and transparency.
If you’re considering a certified lab grown diamond for your engagement ring or special occasion jewellery, we invite you to explore our collections, speak to one of our specialists, or book a consultation to discover the perfect certified stone that reflects your values, and your love story.