Color grading is a major component of gem appraisal, and igi vs gia color grading methods differ in how they grade color. The differences between the two labs are due in part to differences in the way they use different grading lamps and different sample sizes. But the differences are also due to differences in grading sites. The differences in the color grading standards of IGI and GIA may be more significant than you may think.
Color
IGI and GIA color grading systems are different and should not be compared. While they both have their own advantages, the GIA has higher standards and has been the standard for gemmologists for years. Moreover, the GIA is an educational institute that has helped students become gemmologists. That being said, there is no guarantee that IGI’s color grading system is accurate, but the IGI’s color grading system does follow some of the GIA’s rules.
IGI has a stronger reputation in Europe and Asia than GIA, but both labs have different color systems. While they have similar grading standards, there are inconsistencies between the two systems, especially when evaluating D-I color diamonds. However, in the J-to-junior-grade range, the difference is minimal.
IGI is stricter when grading diamonds, but GIA is lenient with color. For example, an IGI diamond may be given VVS2 clarity, while GIA diamonds may be graded G color. Regardless of the differences, IGI diamonds tend to sell for between 12 and 20 percent less than GIA diamonds. For further information, contact a local expert.
Clarity
The IGI has a reputation for being more rigorous with color grading than the GIA. In fact, this is not always the case, as one study found that GIA gemologists were slightly more liberal with color grading than the IGI gemologists. Nevertheless, in this study, the IGI gemologists were more consistent with their clarity grades. In fact, in twenty-nine of the 29 cases, the two gemological organizations agreed on the clarity grade. In addition, in all but one case, the two gemological organizations were within a single color grade.
The differences in grading between GIA and IGI gemological laboratories are more apparent with investment-grade diamonds. However, the difference is less pronounced in diamonds of SI1 and SI2 grades. For these reasons, it is important to ask your gemologist which diamond is eye-clean before you make your purchase.
The GIA is the more authoritative authority when it comes to diamond grading. It was founded in 1931 and is the preeminent organization for diamond quality evaluation. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and research. It has developed a gold standard for grading and certification.
However, IGI gemological labs are not as rigid as GIA. For example, a VS1 diamond graded by GIA may be graded as VVS2 by IGI. In addition, a G color graded by GIA may be gradeed as an F in IGI.
Color grading
When choosing a diamond, comparing the GIA color grade versus IGI color grading is important. GIA-certified diamonds tend to be more valuable, but IGI-certified stones are often worth less. You can easily get a better price when comparing the two certifications, as GIA is more prestigious. The GIA-certified gems also have more credibility, which makes it a better option to use for a diamond purchase.
The igi vs gia color grading methods are different, although the IGI has a stronger reputation in Europe and Asia. Both organizations use the 4cs system to grade diamonds, although their color systems differ slightly. The discrepancy is mostly in the D-I color grade, while in the junior-grade color range, there are few differences.
IGI issues grading reports that are less accurate than GIA’s. Some people may think this means that IGI is less reliable. However, they often issue mini reports to vendors at shopping malls and are notorious for being vague about facts. In general, IGI is a trustworthy lab, but its standards are not as stringent as GIA’s.
Conclusion
Although GIA has more stringent standards and certifications, IGI’s diamond grading standards are often much more conservative. In some cases, GIA’s VS1 color grade is considered VVS2 by IGI.
