When comparing diamond color grades, it is important to remember that the two are not always the same. In fact, GIA and IGI only agreed on a color grade in 10 of 29 cases. In the other nine cases, the two were within 1 color grade of each other. IGI was stricter in 12 of these cases, while GIA was more liberal in 7. However, this may be due to differences in grading lamps and sample size.
Lead to differences
The comparison between igi vs gia color grading standards is not without its flaws. Although both agencies have a high reputation for being fair and unbiased, their color grading systems vary. There are several factors that could lead to differences in color grading. One of those factors is the type of diamonds they grade.
The two organizations use different grading systems to grade diamonds, and GIA’s system is more expensive. While both grading systems use similar techniques, they differ in the amount of detail they can provide. However, the GIA’s strict grading system benefits both the buyer and the seller, as certified diamonds tend to command a higher price.
Diamond for purchase
In addition to certification, IGI also offers dossier reports. While they don’t feature the plotted diagram that GIA does, the dossier reports contain all the grading information and an inscription in the GIA’s official list. When evaluating a diamond for purchase, new jewelry collectors often ask if they should get the certification. Some of these buyers buy jewelry to wear, while others buy to invest.
GIA and IGI have long been rivals in the diamond grading business, but in recent years, a large Chinese conglomerate has acquired a majority stake. While the GIA’s reputation and financial stability are well-established, its commitment to accuracy is far less certain. In the following comparison, we’ll look at some of the key differences between the two companies and the differences between their grading methods.
Insufficient compared
The IGI’s mini grading reports are often distributed to vendors in shopping malls and often contain only limited information. Although they are issued by reputable labs in the U.S. and Antwerp, the information they provide is often insufficient compared to a GIA dossier. Despite the GIA’s higher reputation, IGI’s reports tend to have fewer facts than GIA’s.
The GIA’s grading system uses a 0-10 rating scale to assign a numerical value to each diamond’s cut. The AGS’s system, however, is more rigorous in its evaluation of cut quality. The AGS report also includes a higher level of detail about the cut of a diamond. While the GIA’s system relies on optical ray tracing to measure a diamond’s light performance, the AGS rating system relies on a specialized method of measuring a diamond’s cut quality.
IGI grading
While gia vs igi have similar grading methods, there are some differences between them. For example, IGI’s method of assigning proportion grades differs from GIA’s. The IGI system begins with Very Good, then moves through Good, Fair, and Poor to Excellent. The two systems also differ slightly in their conviction of accuracy. In recent years, the diamond industry has seen a massive rise in the number of lab created diamonds. In addition to grading diamonds, IGI also offers a service for grading colored diamonds. The IGI grading system uses a different method to assess colored diamonds than colorless diamonds. Many people are looking for more affordable options, so lab-created diamonds have become popular.
Although the GIA’s grading reports are widely accepted in Europe and Asia, IGI has risen in popularity in the US and is the first choice for most diamond buyers. However, the IGI system is not nearly as strict in its grading standards as GIA’s, which can result in slight inconsistencies.
EGL grading
The European Gemological Laboratory, or EGL, is an independent diamond grading lab with a global presence. This laboratory has its own standards for grading diamonds. Unlike the GIA, the EGL has little ties to a specific country. The company was founded in the 1970s to address problems in the diamond industry.
While the International Gemological Institute, or IGI, is a for-profit organization, it is widely recognized in the United States and Europe. While it’s not quite as prestigious as the U.S. diamond laboratories, its certifications are generally more accurate than those from other labs. In addition to natural stones, IGI also certifies lab-grown diamonds. It’s important to note that IGI certifications can be two or three grades off the true value of the stone, depending on its size and clarity. It’s also a more expensive certification, so you may want to choose an alternative if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Although AGS and GIA are widely accepted, their certificates don’t always match. The AGS’s certificates are more precise and can be more expensive than GIA certificates. EGL diamonds are less expensive and can be graded in less than a week, which is why some jewelers and sellers prefer EGL grading. However, some reputable vendors prefer GIA over EGL because they believe in the accuracy and integrity of the GIA grading.
