Purchasing a diamond, whether it's for a wedding ring, for someone special or just a piece of everyday jewellery, should be an enjoyable experience - not a complicated one! This is why having a diamond certification guide is so important. Diamond certificates such as IGI, GIA or SGL provide the buyer with information about the quality of their jewel in order to provide confidence that they are getting exactly what they are paying for.

This blog explains how certification works, how to interpret a diamond grading report and which certification might be suitable for you.

What Is A Diamond Certification Guide? Why Is It Important?

Buying a diamond (for yourself, your future spouse or as an investment) can be intimidating for both new and experienced buyers. What a certified diamond certification guide provides is some form of assurance regarding the quality and authenticity of that diamond. The diamond grading report issued by a certified gemological laboratory like GIA, IGI or SGL is one way of doing that. So whether you buy a lab-created engagement ring or some everyday jewellery, you will have peace of mind that the diamond you purchased is from a respected laboratory. The diamond grading report will provide you with:

• Verifiable Quality (4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight)
• Accurate representation of the quality of the diamond according to trained gemologists
• Peace-of-Mind about what a diamond will be if sold or insured
• Confidence to trust the diamond that you purchased

Deciding On GIA, IGI and SGL: Certification Bodies Explained

To know how each of these three diamond grading laboratories operates when looking at IGI vs GIA certified diamonds or GIA versus SGL certified diamonds, this guide will clearly identify the differences. 

To start with, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the most highly regarded diamond grading laboratory and the one which has become most synonymous with quality and credibility over time.

A lot of people are trying to figure out the differences between IGI and GIA to determine which company can give them more precision when it comes to the grading of their jewellery. GIA has more of a reputation for being the most conservative/cautious.

IGI (International Gemological Institute):

IGI is a widely accepted and used certification body in both India and all over the world. IGI provides a fast and consistent certification process. In addition to both lab-grown and natural diamonds, IGI plays a large role in the growing popularity of diamond bangles, rings, and everyday jewellery.

Their diamond grading reports provide an exhaustive amount of detail about the diamond and are designed for ease of use.

SGL (Solitaire Gemological Labs):

On the other hand, SGL are the most prevalent company providing certifications for retail jewellery sold in India. SGL is a well-accepted and trustworthy certifying body in the industry, and both retailers and consumers can have peace of mind when buying SGL-certified diamonds. A large majority of retailers who sell SGL-certified diamonds use SGL because their grading process is streamlined, easier, and less expensive compared to IGI and GIA. 

Reading A Diamond Certificate

Regardless of which grading report you are looking at - whether it is IGI, GIA, or SGL - understanding how to read a diamond certificate will enable you to make an informed decision about the diamond you are buying.

The following are some of the key grading attributes you should focus on when reviewing a diamond certificate:

1. Cut Grade - The cut grade has a direct impact on the diamond's brilliance and light performance. A well-cut diamond will also appear larger and more lively than a poorly cut diamond.

2. Colour Grade - The colour grade is an indication of how colourless the diamond is. Diamonds will be graded on a scale of D, which is colourless, through Z, which is a light colour.

3. Clarity Grade - This grading refers to internal and external inclusions, called flaws and blemishes. A clarity grade is important for your purchasing decision, especially if you are planning to purchase a more detailed item, such as a pair of earrings created using lab-created diamonds, as the clarity grading plays a significant role in the maximum visibility of the diamond's inclusion when viewed from different angles.

4. Carat Weight - This measurement indicates how big the diamond is; however, that will depend largely on whether or not you want your diamond to be as large as it appears visually - the best visual impact will balance either the cut and carat or both.

5. Laser Inscription - The laser inscription is the unique identification number placed on the diamond's girdle, which corresponds to the grading report.

Which Certification Should You Choose - IGI, GIA, Or SGL?

The decision of which certification is best for you will likely depend on what is most important to you.

• If your goal is to obtain the strictest and most accurate grading possible from diamond grading bodies, choose GIA.
• If you want to obtain a certification that is accessible, easy to understand, and used broadly, select IGI-certified diamonds.
• If you want a reliable and convenient SGL certification that is also widely available at retail locations, select SGL-certified diamonds.

Be sure to use this diamond certification guide whenever comparing reports from various grading labs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Certification

1. What is the purpose of a diamond certificate, and what is its importance? 

A diamond certificate is an independent evaluation of the diamond representing the diamond's 4 C's (cut, clarity, colour, and carat). The certification will help you feel confident that you are purchasing a high-quality diamond.

2. Which certification is more reliable: IGI or GIA? 

Both are reliable. GIA has a reputation for providing more accurate and stringent grading, while IGI is a more accessible diamond-certifying body and a good choice for consumers on a budget. You should consider your own financial means and personal preference when making a decision as to which certification to use.

3. Are SGL-certified diamonds a dependable product? 

SGL certified diamonds are an excellent certification body, providing accurate and reliable grading. SGL-certified diamonds are sold by many jewellers in India.

4. How do I verify a diamond grading report? 

Each company (IGI, GIA, and SGL) has a website that contains an online verification portal so that you can check that the grading report is accurate.

5. What is the first thing I should check on a diamond certificate? 

The first thing to check will be the cut grade. After that, you should check the clarity grade, followed by colour, and lastly carat size. The guide I provided earlier details how to read a diamond certificate easily.

6. Are lab-grown diamonds graded? 

Yes, lab-grown diamond engagement rings, bracelets, bangles, and earrings are all graded according to the same grading standards as natural diamonds.

Conclusion

Learning how to understand diamond grading will give you a competitive edge when you are shopping for diamonds. This guide explains how to easily understand IGI, GIA, and SGL diamond grading reports and feel confident when purchasing diamonds for yourself or others.