When it comes to buying a diamond, whether natural or lab-grown, you want to be sure you're getting what you pay for. That's where diamond certification comes in. An IGI certificate is your assurance of the quality and authenticity of the diamond you're purchasing. But what exactly is IGI and how do you interpret their grading reports? In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to read an IGI certificate like a pro.

What is an IGI Lab-Grown Certificate?

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a globally recognized authority in the diamond industry, providing expert grading and certification services for both natural and lab-grown diamonds. Established in 1975, IGI has built a reputation for unparalleled accuracy, reliability, and transparency in its diamond evaluations. 

The resulting IGI report offers a comprehensive analysis of the diamond's key characteristics, including its carat weight, cut, color, clarity, and proportions. These details are clearly outlined in the certificate, often accompanied by a diagram of the diamond's unique features and inclusions. As one of the most trusted names in diamond certification, IGI has become a go-to resource for jewelers and consumers worldwide who seek an impartial, reliable assessment of a diamond's attributes.

How to Read an IGI Certificate?

When examining an IGI diamond certificate, you'll find a wealth of information that provides a comprehensive overview of the diamond's key characteristics and quality.

1. Identification Information:

This section includes basic details about the diamond:

• Certificate Number: A unique ID for verification purposes.

• Date of Issue: When the certificate was issued.

• Shape and Cutting Style: The diamond’s shape (e.g., round, oval) and cutting style (e.g., brilliant, step-cut).

2. Grading Results (The 4Cs)

The heart of the certificate, this section details the diamond’s 4Cs:

• Carat Weight: The size of the diamond (e.g., 1.00 ct).

• Color Grade: Ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

• Clarity Grade: Ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3).

• Cut Grade (For round diamonds only): Graded as Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor.

3. Additional Grading Information

This section provides more technical details about the diamond’s characteristics.

Polish - The polish refers to the smoothness and shine of the diamond’s surface. It’s graded on a scale from Excellent to Poor, based on the absence of surface blemishes and the quality of the facet finish. A high polish grade ensures the diamond reflects light beautifully, enhancing its brilliance.

Symmetry - Symmetry measures how evenly the diamond’s facets are aligned. It’s graded from Excellent to Poor, evaluating the precision of the cut, facet alignment, and overall balance. Good symmetry ensures the diamond sparkles evenly from every angle.

Fluorescence - Fluorescence is a glowing effect that some diamonds exhibit under UV light. It’s graded based on its strength and color, ranging from None to Very Strong. While faint fluorescence can make a diamond appear whiter, strong fluorescence may sometimes cause a milky appearance.

Inscription - An inscription is a tiny laser-etched message or symbol on the diamond’s girdle (the outer edge). It often includes the diamond’s serial number (matching the certificate), a logo, or other identifying information. On the certificate, this is noted as a Laserscribe, helping verify the diamond’s authenticity.

4. Proportions:

This information helps you visualize the diamond's overall shape and proportions, which play a significant role in its appearance and light performance.

Measurements - The diamond’s width and depth are measured in millimeters (e.g., 6.50 x 6.55 x 4.00 mm). These dimensions give you an idea of the diamond’s size and how it will look when set in jewelry.

Table - The table is the largest facet on the top of the diamond. Its size is expressed as a percentage of the diamond’s diameter. A well-proportioned table ensures optimal light reflection and brilliance.

Crown - The crown is the upper part of the diamond, above the girdle. The certificate includes the crown height and angle, expressed as percentages of the diamond’s diameter. These proportions affect how light enters and exits the diamond, influencing its sparkle.

Pavilion - The pavilion is the lower part of the diamond, below the girdle. The pavilion depth and angle are also expressed as percentages. Proper pavilion proportions are crucial for maximizing light return and creating that coveted fire and brilliance.

Girdle - The girdle is the outer edge of the diamond. Its thickness is defined as a percentage of the diamond’s diameter. A well-balanced girdle ensures durability and contributes to the diamond’s overall symmetry.

5. Comments

The Comments section of an IGI diamond grading report is where you'll find any other pertinent details about the specific diamond. Think of it as a "catch-all" for the things that don't fit neatly into the other grading categories but are still important to know. 

For instance, this is where the report will clearly state if the diamond is lab-grown rather than earth-mined. Why does that matter? Well, while lab diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural ones, they tend to be less expensive - so you definitely want that info to make an informed purchase. 

The Comments section will also list any treatments the diamond has undergone to enhance its appearance, like laser drilling to remove inclusions or applying special coatings. Just the straight facts to help you understand exactly what you're looking at and considering for purchase. 

6. Clarity Characteristics

A plot diagram maps the diamond’s inclusions and blemishes, showing their type (e.g., crystals, feathers) and location. This helps you understand the diamond’s clarity grade visually.

7. Grading Scale

IGI uses standardized grading scales for color, clarity, cut, and more. Familiarize yourself with these scales to better understand the diamond’s quality.

Why Is IGI Certification Important?

This valuable document, issued by the prestigious International Gemological Institute, provides an independent, expert assessment of your diamond's key characteristics and quality. By verifying the authenticity of the diamond, an IGI certificate confirms it is truly natural or lab-grown as claimed by the seller. The report also includes an objective, detailed evaluation of the diamond's famous 4Cs - cut, color, clarity and carat weight. This lets you understand the quality of the diamond so you can determine if the price is fair for what you're getting.

Having an IGI certificate adds significant value too. Certified diamonds are easier to confidently resell in the future, and often fetch higher prices than uncertified stones. And with IGI being the world's largest independent gemological laboratory, with a sterling reputation for accuracy and integrity, their certificates are widely recognized and respected. So you can have peace of mind in your diamond purchase. Whether you're getting engaged, married, or buying a special gift, you want to make the right choice. An IGI certificate equips you with the knowledge to do just that.

Conclusion

In summary, an IGI lab-grown diamond certificate is the ultimate assurance of quality and authenticity for anyone considering a laboratory-grown diamond. With its world-leading grading reports, IGI provides detailed, accurate, and transparent information about a diamond’s characteristics, from the 4Cs to proportions and clarity.

At Carat Perfect, we believe in transparency and trust. That’s why every lab-grown diamond in our collection comes with IGI certification, so you can shop with confidence. Explore our stunning range of IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds at caratperfect.com and find the perfect piece that speaks to you.