Learn about GIA & IGI

Learn about GIA & IGI

What is GIA & IGI?

IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute & GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America — both are world’s leading organizations/laboratories for grading and certifying diamonds and gemstones. GIA is the world’s oldest and most reputable diamond grading laboratory. IGI is very well-regarded, particularly for grading lab grown diamonds, smaller stones and fancy-shaped diamonds.
What GIA/IGI Does?
IGI & GIA specializes in grading and certifying diamonds, gemstones, and jewellery. When a diamond (whether natural or lab grown) is certified by GIA/IGI, it means it has undergone a professional and unbiased evaluation based on key quality factors known as the 4 Cs:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat Weight

They also check whether a diamond is natural or lab grown and provides clear labelling to ensure transparency and trust.
What is a GIA/IGI Certificate?
A GIA/IGI certificate is an official report that gives you all the important details about your diamond & gemstone as below:

• Carat weight of the diamond
• Color grade (how white or tinted it is)
• Clarity grade (how clear or included it is)
• Cut grade (how well it’s shaped and polished)
• Measurements and proportions
• Shape and cutting style
• A unique certificate number
• Sometimes a laser inscription on the diamond’s girdle
• Diagram of clarity characteristics

This certificate helps you verify the quality, value, and authenticity of your diamond, giving you confidence in your purchase.

Why a GIA/IGI Certificate Is Important?
— it’s your proof of trust, quality, and authenticity when buying a diamond. Here’s why it matters:

Proof of Authenticity:
Certificates confirm whether a diamond is natural or lab-grown, and whether it’s treated or untreated. This protects you from buying a synthetic or imitation stone when you’re paying for a real diamond.

Verified Quality (4Cs Grading):
The certificate provides an expert, unbiased assessment of the 4Cs — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. These grades directly affect the diamond’s value, beauty, and price.
Without certification, you might overpay for a lower-quality stone without even knowing.

Fair Pricing & Value Comparison:
With a certified diamond, you can easily compare prices between sellers. You’re not guessing — you’re comparing based on trusted, standardised grades, which helps you make smarter buying decisions.

Transparency & Buyer Confidence:
When you receive an IGI certificate, you know exactly what you’re buying. It removes doubt, increases transparency, and ensures trust between buyer and seller — essential for both retail and online purchases.

Easier Resale, Insurance & Appraisal:
Most insurance companies and appraisers require certification from a reputable lab like GIA/IGI. Certified diamonds also have better resale value, as future buyers will want proof of the diamond’s quality.

Laser Inscription for Security:
Many certified diamonds have their unique certificate number laser-inscribed on the girdle (edge). This small marking can be seen under magnification and serves as an added layer of authenticity and traceability.

Which Diamond Certification Is Best? IGI or GIA?
Both IGI and GIA are popular for providing trustworthy diamond certificates. However, GIA is often considered the top choice due to its strict grading standards and strong reputation. GIA certificates are globally recognized and respected, making them a popular choice for both buyers and sellers.
IGI also provides quality certification services that may be less costly. The choice between IGI and GIA is based on your particular preferences and requests. Both provide trustworthy certifications, so you can be sure in the diamond’s quality no matter which one you choose.
At Tvisā Diamonds
We are proud to offer GIA/IGI-certified natural & lab grown diamonds that combine exceptional quality with ethical elegance. Each piece is not only stunning but backed by a trusted standard that honours your investment and your values. Customers can choose either GIA or IGI certification, as both are internationally recognized and hold similar credibility in the global diamond market.