Lab grown diamonds are transforming the jewelry industry. They’re sustainable, ethically sourced, and often more affordable than their natural counterparts. But just like with mined diamonds, certification plays a key role in determining the quality and value of lab grown diamonds.
When buying a lab grown diamond, you’ll often come across certifications from either IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Both are respected gemological labs, but when it comes to lab-created diamonds, there are some key differences between IGI and GIA that can impact your buying decision.
In this article, we’ll break down IGI vs GIA lab grown diamonds, how their grading systems differ, and what you should consider before making a purchase.
Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds
Before diving into certification differences, let’s quickly clarify what lab grown diamonds are.
Lab grown diamonds are created using advanced technology in controlled environments that replicate the natural diamond formation process. These diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. The only difference is that they’re grown in weeks, not over millions of years.
Because of this, lab grown diamonds still need certification to verify their quality. That’s where organizations like IGI and GIA come in.
What Is IGI?
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the largest independent gem certification labs in the world. IGI has built a strong reputation in the lab grown diamond industry because it was one of the first labs to widely certify lab created diamonds.
Key Features of IGI Certification:
- Grades both natural and lab grown diamonds.
- Uses the traditional 4Cs grading system: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
- Offers detailed, easy-to-read reports.
- Popular among lab diamond retailers due to faster turnaround times and lower costs.
IGI is widely used for lab grown diamond certification, especially in online marketplaces and retail chains that sell affordable diamond jewelry.
What Is GIA?
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is considered the gold standard in diamond grading. It’s known for its strict grading criteria and has long been the preferred lab for high-end natural diamonds.
GIA was slower to embrace lab grown diamonds, but in recent years, it has begun offering more comprehensive grading for lab created stones.
Key Features of GIA Certification:
- Extremely strict and consistent grading standards.
- Recently updated its lab diamond reports to include full 4Cs (previously, lab diamonds were graded with general ranges).
- Higher consumer trust, especially for investment-grade diamonds.
- Typically has a longer grading process and higher certification costs.
IGI vs GIA: What’s the Difference for Lab Grown Diamonds?
1. Grading Consistency
GIA is generally considered more consistent and strict with its grading. For example, a diamond graded as VS1 clarity by IGI might be graded as SI1 or even lower by GIA. That means when comparing IGI vs GIA lab grown diamonds, a GIA-certified stone may be slightly more valuable if all other factors are equal.
Winner: GIA for consistency.
2. Market Perception
GIA has a stronger reputation overall, especially among jewelers and industry professionals. IGI is well respected but sometimes seen as more lenient in grading. However, when it comes to lab diamonds, IGI has been the pioneer and is far more commonly used.
Winner: GIA for natural diamonds, IGI for lab grown diamonds in terms of availability.
3. Report Clarity
IGI reports are simple, easy to understand, and widely accepted in the lab diamond market. GIA reports are more technical and trusted but were slower to catch up with full lab grown grading. As of now, GIA has improved its lab diamond certification reports significantly, making them more comprehensive.
Winner: Tie — both now offer high-quality, detailed reports.
4. Pricing Impact
Because IGI tends to grade a bit more leniently, IGI-certified lab diamonds are sometimes priced lower than GIA-certified stones. But this doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality — just a different grading interpretation.
For example: An IGI diamond labeled “Excellent Cut” might be considered “Very Good” by GIA, even if the diamond appears identical.
Winner: IGI for better pricing options.
Which Certification Should You Choose?
It really depends on what matters most to you:
- If you value strict grading and resale value: Go with GIA. Their reports carry more prestige and are known for being more conservative.
- If you want a great-looking lab grown diamond at a better price: Choose IGI. Their reports are trustworthy, widely used, and great for everyday buyers.
Keep in mind, both IGI and GIA lab grown diamonds are real diamonds. No matter which certification you choose, you’re getting a legitimate stone. But it’s still wise to review the report carefully and purchase from a reputable retailer.
Retailer Preferences
Interestingly, many online diamond retailers such as James Allen, Brilliant Earth, and Clean Origin offer both IGI and GIA-certified lab grown diamonds. However, IGI-certified diamonds are far more prevalent in their listings. That’s partly because IGI offers faster certification and lower fees, which makes it easier for retailers to manage inventory and pricing.
Common Misconceptions
Here are a few myths buyers often encounter when comparing IGI vs GIA lab grown diamonds:
- “IGI diamonds aren’t real diamonds.” False. Both GIA and IGI grade real diamonds — whether mined or lab grown.
- “GIA doesn’t grade lab diamonds.” This used to be true, but not anymore. GIA now provides detailed reports for lab grown stones.
- “One is always better than the other.” Not necessarily. It’s more about your priorities — cost, prestige, availability, or strict grading.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to IGI vs GIA lab grown diamonds, there’s no universal “better” choice. Both certification labs offer reliable and informative grading reports. If you’re shopping for beauty and value, IGI is a great choice with wide availability. If you’re more concerned with prestige, resale value, or strict grading accuracy, GIA may be worth the premium.
Ultimately, your decision should be based on the diamond itself, not just the lab. Always compare diamonds side-by-side, look at the grading report in detail, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before you buy.