GIA vs. IGI – Which Diamond Certification Should You Choose?
When shopping for diamond jewellery — especially lab-grown — one of the most common questions we get at Infinity Carats is:
Should I go with a GIA or IGI certified diamond?
The answer depends on your preferences, budget, and what type of jewellery you're purchasing. Here's a simple breakdown to help you decide:
GIA vs. IGI – Diamond Certification Comparison
| Feature | GIA (Gemological Institute of America) | IGI (International Gemological Institute) |
|---|---|---|
| Reputation | Global gold standard in diamond grading | Highly trusted, especially for lab-grown |
| Focus | Natural & lab-grown diamonds | Natural & lab-grown, with focus on jewellery |
| Grading Strictness | Very strict & conservative | Slightly more flexible, industry-accepted |
| Turnaround Time | Longer (10–14 days average) | Faster (5–7 days average) |
| Certification Type | Loose diamonds only | Loose diamonds + full jewellery pieces |
| Laser Inscription | Yes, on request or for specific diamonds | Yes, typically standard |
| Cost | Higher | More cost-effective |
| Ideal For | High-value, natural stones & select LGDs | Lab-grown diamonds & finished jewellery |
| Website | www.gia.edu | www.igi.org |
Our Approach at Infinity Carats:
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For most lab-grown jewellery, we use IGI because it allows us to certify both the diamond and the jewellery as a whole.
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If a customer already has or prefers a GIA-certified diamond, we’re happy to accommodate that and provide BIS Hallmarking for the metal.
Either way, every piece from Infinity Carats is certified, transparent, and trustworthy.