Wondering about the difference between IGI diamond certification and GIA diamond certs?
You’re in the right place. In this Learning Guide, I’ll break down IGI vs GIA, answering the top questions people ask about these two leading diamond grading authorities.
- Is an IGI certificate better for lab grown diamonds?
- What’s the difference between IGI and GIA?
- Why are GIA diamonds harder to find?
Main Differences Between IGI vs GIA Diamond Certifications
The IGI vs GIA comparison starts with global reach — IGI has around 20 grading labs worldwide, while GIA operates fewer than 15 but is known for its elite standards.
When it comes to expertise, IGI vs GIA highlights different focuses: IGI centers on diamond grading efficiency, while GIA is globally recognized for advanced gemstone research.
In pricing, an IGI-certified diamond generally costs less, whereas a GIA-certified diamond of identical grades comes with a higher price tag due to its prestige.
Market value also differs — IGI certificates hold moderate recognition, while GIA-certified diamonds are regarded as more valuable and trusted among buyers.
Which Diamond Certification Came First?
IGI Certification
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) grading laboratory provides both diamond grading reports as well owns 14 schools of gemology. However, most customers in the diamond jewelry industry know it as an independent laboratory that will grade diamonds. IGI Antwerp is the main headquarters.
It is the largest of the diamond laboratories that you’ll frequently see on the market. The IGI gemological laboratories were founded in 1975. Today, they have over 20 locations worldwide in places like Antwerp, New York, and Hong Kong — making IGI vs GIA one of the most common comparisons buyers encounter when choosing a diamond certification.
- Dubai
- Bangkok
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
- Italy
- New York
GIA Certification
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) also provides a grading system to determine a diamond’s quality in the form of a diamond certificate. In addition, the GIA is the world’s leading resource and research hub for all things in the gemstone and diamond trade and research. The GIA’s Graduate Gemologist degree is the highest honor one can receive in the jewelry industry.
Read also: What is GIA Diamond Certification?
The GIA doesn’t have as many campuses as the IGI lab, but has 14 locations around the world in places like:
- Taiwan
- China
- United Kingdom
- India
- Japan
The main hub is located in Carlsbad, California, in the United States. The GIA is most famous for creating the 4Cs of diamonds and is considered the gold standard for grading cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
When comparing IGI vs GIA, the GIA consistently stands out as the more trusted authority in diamond grading.
James Allen is a trusted online jeweler offering GIA-certified diamonds with 360° HD viewing and transparent grading reports — ensuring confidence, quality, and authenticity in every purchase.
IGI Graded Diamonds vs GIA Diamond Grading
Both the IGI diamond certification and GIA diamond certification give reports with their diamonds, colored stones, or fancy colored diamonds. Let’s compare the similarities between the two grading authorities.
IGI Report
The IGI provides lab reports for natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and colored gemstones. They were also the first gemological institution to offer grading and certification for entire jewelry pieces — for example, a full engagement ring rather than just the center diamond. When comparing IGI vs GIA, IGI stands out for its broader range of grading services, especially for finished jewelry items.
There are a few different reports available to customers under each category. The most popular report offered is the IGI Natural Diamond Report. On this report, you will find
- 4Cs assessment: cut, clarity, carat, and color grade
- Diamond shape
- Measurements and proportions
- Clarity characteristic plotting graph
- Laser inscription with report number
The Jewelry Report from IGI grades an entire piece of jewelry without the need to unmount it. This is especially useful for those who want a delicate heirloom engagement ring to come with an official report. When it comes to IGI vs GIA, IGI’s Jewelry Report is unique — offering a full evaluation of the finished piece rather than just the center stone. The report provides a detailed description of the jewelry that may include:
- How many accent diamonds
- Description of ring setting
- Total diamond weight
- Type of precious metal
- What karat gold (If applicable)
- They may contain other details unique to the engagement ring or jewelry piece.
GIA Report
Like IGI diamonds, GIA diamonds can have multiple variations of diamond certificates. The main report is the GIA Diamond Grading Report. Unlike IGI, the GIA only grades loose diamonds weighing more than 0.15 carats — they don’t grade entire jewelry pieces. When comparing IGI vs GIA, both offer natural and lab-created diamond reports, but GIA focuses on precision grading for loose stones, while IGI covers a wider range including colored stones and pearl jewelry.
The standard diamond grading report is the GIA Diamond Grading Report. It is only used for a natural loose diamond graded at .15 carats or more. This report includes:
- Diamond cut grade
- Diamond color grade
- Diamond clarity grade
- Diamond weight
- Graphic of Diamond proportions
- Plotted diagram
The Natural Diamond Origin Reports includes the same as the GIA DGR in addition to:
- Confirmation of geographical origin
- Laser inscription of report number
The GIA Diamond Dossier Report includes all the same details as the GIA Diamond Grading Report (DGR), but it also features a laser inscription for added security. Buyers can also request a laser inscription on an engagement ring’s center stone even with a standard GIA report. When comparing IGI vs GIA, both offer advanced verification methods, but GIA’s laser inscription system and digital records through its mobile app make diamond authentication easier and more transparent than ever.
James Allen offers a wide selection of GIA-certified diamonds with clear pricing, 360° viewing, and precise grading details — making it one of the most trusted online retailers for quality and transparency.
IGI vs GIA Diamond Certification Summary
You know the information that both of these diamond grading authorities offer on their grading reports. Now lets see how the measure up from pros and cons standpoint.
IGI vs GIA Diamond Certifications: Pros and Cons
| Category | GIA Reports | IGI Reports |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | • Industry-leading strict grading standards. • Highly trusted — excellent for resale and trade-up value. • Offers diamond origin details on select stones. • Advanced laser inscription and digital verification via app. | • Certifies entire jewelry pieces, not just loose stones. • IGI-graded diamonds are more affordable than GIA ones. • Faster certification process — ideal for lab-grown diamonds. • Over 20 lab locations worldwide. |
| Cons | • Requires diamonds to be unmounted before grading. • Retailers like Kay or Zales may overcharge for certification. • Only grades loose stones (no jewelry reports). | • Grading standards considered slightly looser than GIA. • Lower resale and trade-up value. • Less preferred for high-end investment diamonds. |
IGI vs GIA Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?
It can be a little confusing when trying to buy diamonds with grading reports. There are many gemological laboratories that provide grading reports for both natural and lab diamonds.
If you’ve narrowed down your choices between GIA diamonds and IGI diamonds, let me give you my expert recommendation.
If you are buying a natural diamond, go for a GIA certified diamond.
If you are buying a lab diamond, both GIA and IGI are suitable laboratories.
Read also: Best Labs for Lab Diamond Certification
The reason why I opt for a GIA diamond over the IGI is simply because they’re the best. The GIA is the leader in everything gemology. They established the world standard for grading diamonds. They have strict standards for grading.
When compared to a IGI diamond of the same grade, it has been said that some IGI report grades fall below what they would under GIA certificates.
Furthermore, IGI diamonds used to be the go-to report for retailers. They have been replaced in that fashion by GSI certificates. They were originally intended to help the retailer, not the consumer.
Read also: GIA vs GSI Diamond Certification
While their reputation with natural diamonds is little spotty, the IGI was the preferred report for grading laboratory diamonds. At the time, the GIA provided lab diamond reports, but they were not as extensive. In 2020, the GIA revamped their lab diamond reports to expand their information and even the playing field. However, GIA certified lab diamonds are harder to locate than IGI ones.
Frequently Asked Questions about IGI vs GIA
❓ What is the main difference between IGI and GIA diamond certifications?
The biggest difference between IGI vs GIA lies in grading standards and focus. GIA is known for its strict, globally accepted grading system, while IGI offers faster and more affordable certification — especially for lab-grown diamonds and full jewelry pieces.
❓ Is an IGI certificate as reliable as a GIA certificate?
Both are reputable, but GIA is considered the gold standard for accuracy and resale value. IGI is reliable too, but it’s often preferred for lab-created diamonds due to faster turnaround and lower costs.
❓ Why do IGI certified diamonds cost less than GIA ones?
IGI vs GIA pricing differs mainly due to brand trust and grading strictness. GIA certification adds premium value because of its rigorous standards, while IGI diamonds are more budget-friendly, offering excellent value for everyday buyers.
❓ Should I buy an IGI or GIA certified diamond for an engagement ring?
If you’re buying a natural diamond, GIA is the best choice for long-term value and confidence. If you’re purchasing a lab-grown diamond, IGI offers a faster, more cost-effective report without compromising quality.
❓ Are IGI and GIA certificates available online for verification?
Yes! Both IGI and GIA allow you to verify certificates online using the report number. GIA even offers a mobile app for quick diamond verification, making it easy to confirm authenticity before purchase.
