If you’re considering purchasing a diamond, you may be wondering if you should buy IGI vs GIA lab grown Diamonds. There are several factors to consider, including grading and certification time. Keep reading to learn about both types of labs and how they can benefit your diamond purchasing decision. IGI is the preferred lab for diamonds that are lab-grown, while GIA is the most popular lab for mined diamonds.
GIA lab grown diamonds
In the fight between mined diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, the GIA has the upper hand. Their standard grading scale is the same for both lab-grown and mined diamonds, which gives consumers a clearer idea of the difference between the two. And while both GIA-certified and non-certified diamonds are equally beautiful, GIA-certified diamonds will likely be less expensive.
Regardless of whether you prefer a mined diamond or a lab-grown one, the GIA is stepping into the lab-grown diamond space. While the American Gem Society (AGS) has resumed grading lab-grown diamonds, it’s unclear how GIA will present the grades in its reports. For the moment, GIA won’t be issuing separate lab-grown diamond grading reports, but it will continue to issue identification reports.
A GIA report includes precise information on the 4Cs. Natural diamonds come with a written report, and lab-grown diamonds do not have one. However, the report that the GIA creates for lab-grown diamonds is only digital and does not have a printed version, as it does for natural diamonds. A GIA report will help buyers decide on the quality and value of the diamonds they’re considering buying.
GIA vs IGI grading
When deciding which grading lab to use for your lab grown diamonds, IGI certification will often be more reliable than GIA. The IGI is the preferred lab of the diamond industry, and their certificates are typically less expensive than GIA’s. However, while GIA is still the gold standard for diamond certification, IGI is quickly establishing itself as a superior lab for diamonds grown in a lab. IGI has already established themselves as the lab of choice for most of the diamond industry, while GIA is huddled in with the mined diamond industry.
While the GIA has a reputation for being more strict in their grading standards, IGI’s lab-grown diamond certification has a number of benefits. First of all, it’s much easier to shop for a diamond from an IGI certified jeweler. Secondly, you’ll be able to compare the quality of each diamond from one jeweler to another. IGI certification is a valuable document to have as proof of the diamond’s quality.
GIA vs IGI certification
When comparing GIA vs IGI certification of lab grown diamonds, one must consider the difference in standards. GIA grading standards are more stringent and therefore more expensive than those of IGI, but there are other benefits of GIA certification that you should consider. Both laboratories have different levels of grading, and they may not be right for every lab.
GIA has a poor reputation in the US. Some prominent big box stores sell diamonds with overinflated valuations, making them seem worth several times their replacement value. The IGI defends this practice by pointing out that insurance policies protect customers who pay premiums for insurance. However, their reports are often misrepresentative, which can result in high insurance premiums. For these reasons, IGI’s certifications are less coveted in the US.
A full IGI report is always preferable for an IGI graded diamond. Although you can find some excellent examples of IGI diamonds, they are not as consistent as GIA’s. If you are unsure of which labs you should trust, look for a reputable laboratory. If this is your first time buying diamonds, IGI certified diamonds are a safer bet.
GIA vs IGI certification time
When choosing between GIA and IGI certification for your lab-grown diamonds, it is important to compare the time it takes to complete both tests. Although each laboratory is different, they both use advanced computer ray-tracing to determine a diamond’s grading. However, GIA is often stricter when it comes to grading than IGI, so you will probably want to consider the GIA’s longer certification time for lab grown diamonds.
The GIA’s report for lab-grown diamonds is full of details, including the type of process used to grow the stone and whether it was subjected to extra pressure or heat to create it. Lab-grown diamonds also have a stamp or inscription on their girdle that says “lab grown” in microscopic letters. The difference in grading time between the two labs is important to the customer, as a certified diamond is important to your purchase.