The IGI certificate explained

Diamond certification is the process of examining a diamond and reporting on its characteristics according to standards set by the grading laboratory. If you are investing in a diamond, certification is essential as it enables you to fully understand the quality of the diamond.

There are several major diamond grading organisations commonly associated with loose diamonds and diamond jewellery. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the most renowned grading laboratories in the world.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the IGI certificate:

• About IGI
• What is an IGI certificate?
• How does IGI grade diamonds?
• Why do you need an IGI certificate when buying diamonds?

About IGI

Founded in 1975, IGI is the largest independent gem lab in the world. It is headquartered in the heart of the diamond trade, Antwerp, Belgium, with 18 laboratory locations around the globe.

With 650 gemologists grading finished jewellery, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds and gemstones, IGI manages to maintain strict control over diamond standards to position itself as a reliable and committed laboratory in the diamond industry.

What is an IGI certificate?

An IGI certificate is a testament to the diamond’s authenticity. Diamond experts from the lab spend a great deal of time using state-of-the-art technology and conducting comparisons with other diamonds in the same category to accurately assign diamonds an IGI certificate.

An IGI certificate is a seal of quality and is internationally recognised as a sign of trust and confidence in the gemological world. With an IGI-certified diamond, you can be sure that the diamond has undergone rigorous testing to confirm the flawlessness of its qualities.

How does IGI grade diamonds?

IGI, like other diamond laboratories, grades diamonds based primarily on the 4 Cs: colour, clarity, cut and carat.

Colour

The colour of a diamond is based on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (yellow) and is determined by comparing the diamond to master stones of a predetermined colour.

Clarity

There are two types of clarity characteristics: inclusions and blemishes. To grade the clarity of a diamond, experts study the gem using a special scope and a 10x magnification loupe to observe the number and nature of these characteristics, as well as their size and position.

The professionals at IGI then place the diamond on a scale ranging from IF (internally flawless) to I3 (imperfect or heavily included).

Cut

Unlike other diamond characteristics, cut is determined by man, not by nature. When assessing the cut, experts take into account the cutting precision, proportions and finishing details, which all play a role in the final appearance of the diamond (i.e., brilliance, dimensions).

Carat

The carat of a diamond is determined by its weight. The bigger the diamond, the higher the carat weight (one carat is equal to 200 milligrams). IGI laboratory technicians accurately calculate the diamond’s carat weight by using carefully calibrated instruments.

Buy certified diamonds from BNT Diamonds

Every polished diamond (above 0.30 Ct) purchased from BNT Diamonds carries its own identity via a unique certificate. This laminate-protected document summarises the diamond’s vital information based on the 4 Cs and describes its characteristics that help determine its value.

BNT Diamonds only works with the most renowned labs in the diamond industry:

• IGI: The International Gemological Institute
• GIA: Gemological Institute of America
• HRD: High Diamond Council (Hoge Raad voor Diamant)

If you want to find out more about BNT Diamonds’ certified diamonds, consult our diamond specialists today or call us on +32 3 201 24 90.