science

Following the recent launch of IGI’s new science-based Light Performance Reports for round brilliant diamonds John Pollard, Senior Director of Education for IGI, and Garry Holloway, developer of the Ideal-Scope, will speak with Rapaport’s Leah Meirovich about what light performance is, how it can add value beyond the 4Cs, and why light performance reports can be helpful for selling diamonds.

In November, 2023, Diamond Foundry (DF) produced the world’s first 100mm single-crystal diamond wafer. However their end-game has nothing to […]

Only about 1 in 10,000 natural gem quality diamonds is fancy colored. Within that small percentage, some colors are more common than others, making certain of the colors extraordinarily rare. So, what causes us to see these various colors, and why are some so rare?

Mother Nature continues to amaze and delight us. Just as mankind seems to have “cracked the code” on the complexities of diamond creation up here, in our laboratories, she smiles and presents more earthly mysteries we have yet to solve.

Join us March 15th at 2:00 pm ET for ‘Lab Grown Diamonds: What’s now? What’s new? What’s next?’ a webinar presented by IGI and THE MVEye, as part of National Jeweler’s Supplier Spotlight webinar series.

Students of the Eugenio Montale Institute in Italy participated in a series of learning sessions involving gemstones and human values. Gemologist Francesco Sequino added his professional experience and insight on behalf of the International Gemological Institute.

As lab grown diamonds gain popularity consumers have questions about the “post-growth treatment” comment seen on many IGI grading reports. Post-growth treatments are commonly used to reduce, eliminate or change the diamond’s color-appearance. Logically, people want to know “are the treatments permanent?”

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.

A team of international researchers have discovered a fast-moving exoplanet, nearly 13 times larger than Earth, with vast clouds of liquid metal and corundum – the mineral which forms rubies and sapphires – blowing across the planet.

Most of Earth’s diamonds formed billions of years ago, during the supercontinent cycle, as carbon fragments around 100 miles deep were crystallized by unimaginable forces of heat and pressure. But diamonds can also flash-form due to meteorite impact.

The world’s largest cut diamond, a 555.55 carat fancy black named has a new owner and a new name. Purchased by Richard Heart, founder of cryptocurrency company HEX, the diamond’s name will change from The Enigma to the HEX.com diamond.

A 555.55 carat diamond, recorded in the Guinness World Records as the largest polished black diamond in existence, will be offered at a single-lot auction at Sotheby’s early next month. The online sale will be without reserve, and cryptocurrency will be accepted as payment.

IGI has analyzed world record setting 150.42 and 141.48 carat lab grown diamond crystals produced by Meylor Global. These crystals smash the previous world record of 115 carats, also set by Meylor Global in September, 2020.

Astronomers call Neptune and Uranus “Ice Giants.” How appropriate, then, that the 7th and 8th planets most distant from our sun may be under a constant deluge of diamond rain?

As lab grown producers continue to sharpen their skills we are seeing quality advancements in many areas, including fancy colors. This video compilation features a visual buffet of lab grown diamonds, recently submitted to IGI North America for grading.

IGI is pleased to announce Yates & Co Jewelers of Modesto California as the winner of this year’s Jewelers On A Mission sustainability campaign. As the grand prize recipient, Yates Jewelers will be awarded $5,000 toward achieving carbon neutrality.

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have discovered residue inside a 2.5 billion-year-old ruby which may be the remains of microbial life.

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a standalone, one-of-a-kind experience and should be on the visit list for all lovers of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.

IGI invites eligible jewelry stores to become #JewelersOnAMission by describing why sustainability is important to their business. The winner will receive up to $5,000 in credits toward achieving carbon neutrality.

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.

Australia’s retired Argyle mine, most famous for fancy pink diamonds, is also renowned for diamond deposits ensconced in lamproite, rather than kimberlite. Did you know Argyle was not the only lamproite mine, nor the first place diamonds were discovered in Oz?

Ancient diamonds reveal that Earth was ready to explode with life as early as 2.7 billion years ago, according to a study presented at last week’s Goldschmidt Geochemistry conference.

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.

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.