Commitment to Confidence
IGI screens every diamond using state of the art technologies to determine naturally mined, laboratory grown or simulant origin. Experienced graduate gemologists conduct further assessment in controlled conditions, detailing relevant gemological characteristics according to the strictest international system. The presence of any permanent treatments will be noted in the comments section. IGI will not issue full grading reports for diamonds with non-permanent treatments.
Gemstones should only change hands when accompanied by a grading report attesting to quality. Regardless of location or marketplace, an authentic IGI Laboratory Report is the common language of trust and confidence in the gemological world.
Learn more about the history and symbolism of “Hearts & Arrows” (H&A) diamonds.
How to read an IGI Hearts & Arrows Report
The IGI Hearts & Arrows Report includes the gemstone’s description, natural or laboratory grown, as well as its shape, cutting style, measurements and 4Cs assessments: Carat Weight, Color, Clarity and Cut.
Hearts & Arrows reports may also include a graphic representation of the diamond’s proportions, a diagram of its clarity characteristics and a comment about its laser inscription, if one is present.
All laboratory grown diamonds for which IGI issues a report will have the prefix ‘LG’ laser-inscribed on the girdle ahead of the report number, and noted in the comments section.
For round brilliant diamonds, the overall proportions are compared with IGI studies of brightness, fire, scintillation and pattern to determine the Cut Grade. Fancy shaped diamonds are assessed using a four-step system combining finish assessment with proportions qualifications, shape-specific requirements and light return grading. All diamond shapes and colors will have craftsmanship grades for polish and symmetry noted on the grading report.
Diamond color is graded in a standardized viewing environment. IGI gemologists analyze color in the D to Z color range with the diamond placed upside down, viewed through the side, to facilitate a neutral view. Multiple graders submit opinions independently, with no collaboration, and the grade is determined when there are sufficient agreeing opinions. Diamond clarity is assessed at 10X magnification. Grading depends on the visibility, size, number, location and nature of internal and surface characteristics at that magnification. Diamonds with characteristics which are immediately obvious or noticeable are likely candidates for lower grades, whereas diamonds with characteristics which are minor, minute or extremely difficult to see at that magnification may qualify for the higher grades.
IGI co-created the modern laser inscription process. Using a very fine and precise laser beam, alphanumeric characters, a brand logo or even a personalized message can be inscribed on the girdle or outside circumference of a diamond. Adding the report number to a diamond’s girdle with Laserscribe permits fast identification of a gemstone under magnification, verifying of all of its gemological details. Now standardized as an efficient and easy way to identify a diamond, the majority of diamonds around the world have laser inscriptions.
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Learn With Videos
A collection of two-minute videos designed to help shoppers make informed decisions when buying or selling diamonds, gems, and jewelry.
Lab Grown Diamonds
Did you know? Only natural and lab grown diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale; nothing else comes close.
Learn MoreCarat Weight
Did you know? Diamonds of the same carat weight do not necessarily appear to be the same size.
Color
Did you know? Gemologists perform D to Z color grading with the diamond upside down, viewed through the side.
Learn MoreRelated Reports
Regardless of location or marketplace, an authentic IGI Laboratory Report is the common language of trust and confidence in the gemological world.
All ReportsNatural Diamond Report
IGI Natural Diamond Reports give an accurate assessment of a diamond’s cut, color, clarity and carat weight according to strict international standards.
Lab Grown Diamonds Education
See how laboratory grown diamonds are physically, optically and chemically identical to natural diamonds which formed in the earth.
