Buying a lab-grown diamond becomes much simpler once you can interpret the grading report. However, many buyers become at a disadvantage when coming across grading organizations like IGI and GIA in the process of finding the right stone.
Although both are well-respected gemological laboratories, their approach to laboratory-grown stones is not one and the same.
The IGI vs GIA lab grown comparison is important to understand as a grading document can help to confirm what you are purchasing, describing the size, quality and other relevant details.
The laboratory name should not be the sole factor in decision-making as you still have the option to inspect the diamond in detail and compare the price to similar stones.
This guide explains their major differences in layman’s terms to assist you in shopping more confidently.
IGI Reports for Lab-Grown Diamonds
IGI provides detailed reports for laboratory-grown diamonds which can include familiar characteristics such as carat weight, color, clarity and cut information, where applicable.
This format can be useful when you want to compare multiple diamonds side by side.
For example, you can compare two one-carat stones and easily identify differences in clarity, color, measurements, polish and symmetry.
IGI also identifies if the stone is laboratory grown, as opposed to mined.
How GIA Evaluates Laboratory-Grown Diamonds
GIA has altered the way reports are issued for many colorless to near-colorless laboratory-grown diamonds as its current quality assessment places qualifying stones into broader Premium or Standard categories, or not presented exactly like a traditional natural-diamond grading report.
The diamond is also identified as laboratory-grown.
This means that you should not expect an IGI report and a GIA assessment to hold the same information in exactly the same way.
IGI vs GIA Lab Grown: What Should You Compare?
Instead of choosing a stone based on the laboratory name, focus your attention on the information which can affect the appearance and value of the diamond.
Compare:
The carat weight and physical measurements
The cut quality and proportions
The visible color (not just a label)
Whether inclusions are visible when not magnifying the diamond
The report number with the issuing laboratory
The price with similar diamonds in terms of quality and size
A well-cut diamond with balanced proportions can look even more impressive than a larger stone with poor light performance.
- Are Man Made Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes, laboratory-grown diamonds have essentially the same crystal structure and fundamental chemical composition as natural diamonds, and should not be confused with simulants such as cubic zirconia.
Man made diamonds are formed using controlled technology, as opposed to naturally-forming underground.
Common production methods include CVD and HPHT.
For everyday buyers, the practical focus should be quality, appearance, documentation and price, instead of the origin automatically determining how attractive a stone will look.
Does the Grading Lab Affect the Price?
Certification can affect how easily you can compare a diamond, but is only a part of its market price.
Carat weight, cut, color, clarity, shape, proportions, seller pricing and market conditions can affect cost.
Two certified diamonds with similar basic specifications may therefore cost different amounts of money.
Use the report as an independent reference, then inspect the actual stone and the seller’s return policy before you purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IGI reliable for lab-grown diamonds?
IGI is commonly used for laboratory-grown diamond grading and provides detailed information which can help buyers to compare stones.
Does GIA certify laboratory-grown diamonds?
GIA provides laboratory-grown diamond assessment services, and clearly identifies the laboratory-grown origin of submitted stones which meet its service requirements.
Is an IGI diamond better than a GIA diamond?
Not automatically, as the laboratory evaluates the stone, but it does not make the diamond better.
Compare the diamond’s appearance, proportions, documentation and price.
Should I buy a diamond without a grading report?
For a significant purchase, an independent report provides useful verification and makes comparing diamonds much easier.
Final Buying Advice
The IGI vs GIA lab grown decision should be based on understanding the report, rather than simply choosing the more familiar laboratory name.
IGI can be useful when you want detailed traditional grading information, while GIA uses its own current assessment approach for many laboratory-grown stones.
Before buying, verify the report, inspect the diamond’s cut and appearance, compare equivalent stones and make sure the price matches what you are actually getting.
A grading document is valuable, but the diamond should always remain the focus.
