IGI Diamond Certification — What It Means & Why It Matters

What is IGI Certification?

IGI (International Gemological Institute) is one of the world’s largest and most trusted independent diamond grading laboratories. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, IGI has grading labs in over 20 countries including India (Mumbai and Surat).

When a diamond is “IGI certified,” it means the diamond was sent to an IGI laboratory where trained gemologists — who have no financial interest in the sale — examined it under controlled conditions and issued an official report documenting every quality characteristic of that diamond.

An IGI certificate is your guarantee that the diamond you are buying is exactly what the seller claims it to be. It is independent proof — not a seller’s word.

What Does an IGI Certificate Document?

Every IGI certificate includes:

• Certificate Number — unique ID, verifiable at igi.org
• Shape & Cutting Style — Round Brilliant, Princess, Oval, Pear, etc.
• Measurements — exact dimensions in millimetres
• Carat Weight — precise to the 5th decimal place (e.g., 0.50023 ct)
• Colour Grade — D (colourless) to Z (light yellow)
• Clarity Grade — FL (Flawless) to I3 (Included)
• Cut Grade — Excellent / Very Good / Good / Fair / Poor
• Polish & Symmetry — Excellent / Very Good / Good / Fair / Poor
• Fluorescence — None / Faint / Medium / Strong / Very Strong
• Origin — Lab-Grown or Natural (clearly stated)
• Proportions diagram — visual of the diamond’s actual dimensions
• Clarity plot — map of every inclusion inside the diamond

The 4Cs — What IGI Grades

IGI vs GIA — What’s the Difference?

Both IGI and GIA are highly reputable, internationally recognised diamond grading laboratories.

• GIA (Gemological Institute of America) — Founded 1931. The oldest and most recognised lab globally, especially for natural diamonds. Invented the 4Cs grading system.
• IGI (International Gemological Institute) — Founded 1975. The most widely used lab for lab-grown diamonds worldwide. Most grading labs in India. Equally rigorous for natural diamonds.
• For buyers: Both are excellent. IGI is the industry standard for lab-grown diamonds. My Carat uses IGI for all pieces and GIA for select natural diamonds.

Lab-Grown vs Natural — Both Get IGI Certificates

IGI certifies both natural and lab-grown diamonds to the same rigorous standards. The certificate clearly states whether the diamond is “Lab Grown” or “Natural” — there is no ambiguity. At My Carat, both types are available with full IGI certification.

Why My Carat Only Sells Certified Diamonds

• Transparency: You know exactly what you are buying — independent verification, not a seller’s claim
• Resale value: IGI-certified diamonds are accepted globally for exchange or buyback
• Future proof: The certificate stays with the diamond forever — verifiable 20 years from now
• Insurance: Banks and insurance companies require certification for jewellery insurance policies
• Trust: A certified diamond is a promise — from IGI, from My Carat, to you