The International Gemological Institute better known as IGI is the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and grading gemstones and fine jewelry. It is no coincidence that IGI has been given the world's leading gemological organization status. It is through years of study, collaboration, and synergy with both industry experts and consumers that have granted IGI this premium world status. This blog post takes a closer look at who IGI is, what separates IGI apart from its competitors, and taps into IGI's consumer service offerings.
Who is IGI?
IGI is regarded as the largest organization of its kind, operating in 20 laboratory locations across Europe, the Middle East, North America, East Asia, and South Asia. Contact an IGI laboratory near you.
IGI is world renown for grading finished jewelry, natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and gemstones. IGI is also home to 14 Schools of Gemology that have seen thousands of students graduate into jewelry professionals each year.
This is IGI's Diamond Story
What is IGI known for?
#1 Being the World Leader in Confidence
IGI is the only gemological institute in the world that evaluates and grades finished jewelry, as well as loose diamonds and colored gemstones, to ensure transparent consumer confidence. As of now, IGI provides industry-wide assurance by screening millions of carats of tiny diamonds and distinguishing natural from lab-grown on behalf of the world's most prestigious jewelry designers and brands.
#2 Being the World Leader in Accreditation
IGI is the first gemological laboratory in the world to be ISO-certified in both natural and lab-grown diamond grading. The single most significant standard for calibration and testing laboratories across the world is the Organization for International Standardization 17025 laboratory competence certification, which covers all laboratory conditions.
#3 Being the World Leader in Sustainability
The Responsible Jewelry Council, International Precious Metals Institute, and Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance have joined forces with SCS Global Services to make IGI the world's first gemological laboratory to pledge to carbon neutrality.
#4 Being the World Leader in Hearts & Arrows Diamond Grading
When seen via a reflecting scope, "Hearts & Arrows" diamonds are cut so perfectly that their facet reflections overlap. IGI pioneered grading criteria for these diamonds. Hearts & Arrows' accuracy is usually linked with high-quality Excellent-Ideal cuts. IGI was the first laboratory to give Hearts & Arrows diamond makers and sellers co-branded reports, and it has since established itself as the chosen authority for Hearts & Arrows diamonds sold in Asia.
#5 Being the World Leader in Lab-Grown Diamond Grading
In 2005, IGI became the first laboratory to fully grade lab-grown diamonds, establishing a foundation of legitimacy and consistency for this rapidly increasing business area. IGI now has more knowledge and expertise than any other body, allowing the whole industry - from manufacturers and retailers to consumers - to have faith in lab-grown diamond grading.
#6 Being the World Leader in Jewelry Evaluation
IGI's experience and reach are unmatched, with millions of reports issued each year. In North America, Europe, and Asia, IGI is the most trusted name in jewelry grading. In 2020, in response to the country's rapid expansion in online e-commerce sales, eBay India launched a countrywide program for sellers to have their jewelry items evaluated by IGI, boosting buyer trust and confidence in the world's largest domestic jewelry market.
#7 Being the World Leader in Education
IGI's schools of gemology are unsurpassed in diversity and reach, offering courses in person and online via customized webinars and eLearning programs in more places across the world. IGI goes beyond typical diamond and gemstone training, promoting creativity and graduating thousands of new jewelry professionals each year. From raw diamonds to computer-assisted jewelry design and retail assistance, IGI goes above and beyond traditional diamond and gemstone training.
#8 Being the World Leader in Solutions
IGI was the first to issue Jewelry Identification Reports, the first to offer rough diamond courses, the first to seal diamonds, the first to issue comprehensive cut-grading criteria, the first to offer appraisal services, and the first to offer co-branded reports in collaboration with renowned jewelry brands. Today, IGI is a pioneer in the industry when it comes to sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives and resources aimed at assisting other jewelers in this crucial area.
#9 Adding Value through Authenticity
Even industry experts in today's world need to make use of specialized technology to detect gemstone treatments and verify whether they are natural or lab-created. Since the 1980s, IGI has been developing and applying the world's most advanced identification spectrometry, pioneering comprehensive evaluation of lab-produced diamonds since 2005, and holding ISO certification in both natural and lab-grown diamond grading.