The art of diamond grading
Gemologist Studying Diamonds

Inclusions Seen in Lab Grown Diamonds

There are two sophisticated ways of producing lab-grown diamonds. One process assembles the diamond in vertical layers and the other uses a metal catalyst to dissolve carbon. These different approaches produce inclusions which differ from those seen in natural diamonds.

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IGI Now Issuing Cut Grade for Fancy Shapes

IGI has added a grade for cut to fancy shape diamond reports. In addition to traditional polish and symmetry analysis, the institute is now assessing the influence cut quality has on light behavior seen in shapes other than round.

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IGI eLearning Spotlighted at JCK

Demonstrations of IGI’s new interactive eLearning Courses were provided to attendees of the recent JCK Las Vegas show. The on-demand, fully responsive courses provide fundamental gemological education while emphasizing information buyers are most interested in.

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Trivia Question

Trivia: Why is ‘D’ the highest diamond color?

In the normal diamond color range ‘Z’ is classified as most tinted while ‘D’ is classified as most colorless. So what happened to A, B and C? Are they reserved for new diamond discoveries? Extraterrestrial diamonds? What could possibly be more colorless than most colorless? If there are 23 classifications why not start with ‘A’ and end with ‘W?’

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Lady Shopping

How to Buy Diamond Jewelry in 2022

Many things have evolved or changed since the turn of the century, and especially in the last 2 years. These changes have impacted many aspects of life, including how we interact and how we buy things.

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Diamond Clarity Chart Eye Chart

Diamond Clarity Chart with Eye-Clean Definition

In Diamond 4Cs analysis, clarity evaluates a gemstone’s relative freedom from inclusions and blemishes. There are 11 different clarity grades which descend gradually from flawless. However, nuanced gemological analysis notwithstanding, many buyers just want to know, is it “eye-clean?”

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Freedom of India diamond

IGI Certifies World Record 14.60 ct Lab Grown Diamond

IGI India recently certified a 14.60 carat lab grown diamond, reportedly the largest ever produced using the Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) growth method. The recorded weight surpasses the previous record-holder, certified by IGI last November, by nearly two carats.

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IGI Graduate wins International Design Contest Awards

IGI class of 2003 Graduate Anita Bhandari has won several prestigious international jewelry design awards in collaboration with friend, colleague and fellow Canadian Anita Agrawal, a part-time professor at Centennial College.

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laptop showing student on IGI's elearning network

IGI offers Online eLearning for Professionals

IGI is offering interactive online lessons on a variety of topics, from introductory 4Cs training on diamonds and gemstones to comprehensive education about lab grown diamonds to timely lessons covering the significant and vital benefits the natural diamond industry brings to millions of indigenous people in the upstream value chain.

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clinohumite a.k.a. fire spinel

Clinohumite by any other name…

It’s doesn’t quite sizzle, does it? “Fire Spinel” is far more electrifying, and that’s how it’s named in Bangkok gemstone shops. But Clinohumite, by any other name, is still Clinohumite.

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Proposing this season? Arm yourself with information.

Proposal season in the USA runs from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day. Of course suitors should choose the month and day best suited to their situation, but 40% of engagements normally occur between November and February. Prepare yourself with this information on recent trends, pricing and preparation.

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IGI Gemologists tell your diamond's story with certification and grading

Watch ‘Your Diamond Story’ video from IGI

A diamond’s journey through our laboratory is one of sophisticated assessment and analysis. From intake through inscription, every step is performed with careful attention to detail and thorough, transparent reporting. See how Your Diamond Story may be told to the world with confidence, in this descriptive video.

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heart shaped lab grown diamond

IGI Certifies 10 carat Heart Shaped Lab Grown Diamond

IGI’s laboratory in Mumbai, India, recently graded a large, heart shaped laboratory grown diamond. The choice of fancy shape, top color grade and exceptional craftsmanship combine to make this large, heart-shaped specimen unique.

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IGI featured on My Favorite Things podcast

Diamond lover Joanna Park-Tonks founded CHELSEA ROCKS to deliver ‘the creme de la creme of laboratory grown diamonds.’ Offered as […]

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News: IGI Uncovers Largest Misrepresented Lab Grown Diamond

A 6.18 carat loose, round brilliant cut diamond submitted to IGI’s Thailand laboratory for verification purposes was discovered to be laboratory grown, despite the fact that it was accompanied by a natural diamond grading report.

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Girl rocking out

Enjoy these Diamond Themed Music Videos

Hello music lovers! If you enjoyed my diamond related movie suggestions from the past, I hope you’ll enjoy the collection of wonderful diamond-specific music videos below.

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What is ‘Diamond Quality?’

How do you define diamond quality? We value diamonds according to the 4Cs but the sticker price doesn’t necessarily reflect quality. What are the fundamental reasons people cherish diamonds? What makes diamonds “great”?

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IGI Partners with the World’s Largest Diamond Bourse

IGI has designed a series of exclusive educational courses for members of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, the World’s Largest, with more than 4,000 jewelry professionals engaged in the import, export, manufacturing and marketing of rough and polished diamonds.

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Same Carat Weight – Visible Size Differences

Different 1.00 carat diamonds can look different sizes. This is because we typically view diamonds from a single direction: Above. Imagine cooking a 1 pound meatball and a 1 pound pancake. On your scale they weigh the same. But the meatball’s weight is distributed in a deeper geometry.

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Some Clarity on Diamond Clarity

Nature’s birthmarks? Or unsightly specks? What do you think? There are many different philosophies regarding natural diamond and gemstone clarity. What do you think? Should a diamond be allowed to have few blemishes, or should it be as clean as the pure driven snow?

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IGI certifies Guinness World Record 12,638-diamond ring

Renani Jewels and jewelry designer Harshit Bansal have earned the Guiness World Record title for setting 12,638 diamonds into a single wearable ring – smashing previous records by more than 4,800 stones.

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Here’s why pandemic engagements are soaring

A Brides.com wedding survey reports that 82% of couples say living through the pandemic has made them want to marry their significant other more. For many, it seems “for better or for worse” and “in sickness and in health” have taken on a whole new meaning.

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