In this article, we’ll compare gia vs igi lab-grown diamonds. Among labs that test natural diamonds, IGI has the most experience and is therefore the standard bearer in the industry. But which one should you buy? There are pros and cons to both, so make an informed decision. Let’s look at the key differences between these two labs to help you choose the best diamond for your budget.
IGI is the most popular and dominant lab in the world for lab grown diamonds
The IGI lab produces man-made diamonds in cutting-edge laboratories. The delicate process encourages the growth of man-made diamonds. The lab conditions are closely monitored to mimic those of mined diamonds. While these processes can be expensive, regulations help protect consumers from exploitation. IGI is a reputable lab used by major jewelry chains in the U.S. and Canada.
The IGI is the most commonly used laboratory for lab grown diamonds. Its diamonds are graded to the same high standards as mined diamonds, and it has a global presence. In addition, it grades diamonds faster than GIA and AGS, making it the preferred choice of large stores. Nevertheless, diamonds are unique, and GIA’s grading standards are not a match for IGI’s.
A recent study from the Antwerp World Diamond Centre suggests that there is a high potential for diamond growth in the lab. The Antwerp report estimates that production of lab-grown diamonds is currently between two million ct., with the majority under 0.18 carat. The industry has experienced a dramatic decline in wholesale prices over the past few years. As efficiencies increase and the product becomes more commoditized, wholesale prices will continue to decline.
GIA is the most popular and dominant lab in the world for mined diamonds
GIA has long been the leading certification lab for mined diamonds. But increased production and increased counterfeiting have put the lab’s hegemony in jeopardy. Last year, synthetic-diamond production led to a significant drop in the price of mined diamonds and a sharp decline in the share of the market held by lab-grown stones. In response, the GIA has vowed to restore its dominance.
The GIA has announced changes to its grading policy for lab-grown diamonds. The lab will no longer publish its grading reports, and will only issue reports on mined diamonds. Instead, GIA will now offer full color grading for lab-grown diamonds. This is a welcome step for consumers and companies in the lab-grown diamond industry. GIA has long marketed itself as an educational and non-profit organization. Its policy change will help consumers navigate the increasingly complex diamond world.
GIA created standardized grading criteria over 60 years ago. It incorporated standardized equipment and lighting, and grading reports are produced following strict guidelines. The IGI vs GIA lab grown diamonds recognized that different lighting conditions change the color of a diamond and thus created the “4Cs” term to help define the quality of a stone. Even so, some diamond companies use a different lab to grade their stones, and this can make pricing and reselling very difficult.
GIA is the most popular and dominant lab in the world for natural diamonds
GIA is the world’s leading lab for natural diamonds, but what exactly does this mean? It means that diamonds graded by GIA are authentic, and the reports they issue are based on objective science. The report will list the diamond’s cut quality, color, and clarity grades, as well as the lab’s recommendations for how to use it. GIA also provides online reports for these diamonds.
GIA grades natural diamonds using a proportion-based system, which considers the diamond’s cut, clarity, and color. It assigns each feature a score from 0 to 11: 0 indicates the most perfect diamond cut, while three ‘0’s indicate a very good cut. A diamond graded three 0s has the highest clarity score possible, and is therefore rare and extremely expensive.
Conclusion
Although GIA has long been the leading lab for natural diamonds, other gem laboratories are making their mark. HRD, AGS, and GCAL are all reputable, but the International Gemological Institute has been expanding its labs’ reputation, ensuring consistent, high-quality diamond reports. However, GIA has been at a loss in terms of market share and credibility in recent years, and is still working to regain its former glory.
