Certification & Grading

When it comes to purchasing a diamond, understanding its certification and grading is essential for making an informed decision. Diamond certification provides you with a detailed report of the stone’s quality, ensuring that the diamond meets the standards set by respected gemological laboratories.

Diamond grading is the process of evaluating the diamond based on four key characteristics: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight—known as the 4’Cs. Let’s dive into what diamond certification and grading mean, and how they affect your purchase.

What is Diamond Certification?

Diamond certification is a document issued by an independent gemological laboratory that evaluates a diamond’s quality and verifies its authenticity. This certificate is crucial for ensuring that the diamond you purchase is exactly what it claims to be.

The certification details the specific attributes of the diamond, including its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and overall quality. One of the most recognized and trusted organizations for diamond certification is the International Gemological Institute (IGI).


IGI is known for its consistent grading standards and reliability in both natural and lab-grown diamond evaluation.

Understanding Diamond Grading: The 4’Cs

Diamond certification is a document issued by an independent gemological laboratory that evaluates a diamond’s quality and verifies its authenticity. This certificate is crucial for ensuring that the diamond you purchase is exactly what it claims to be. The certification details the specific attributes of the diamond, including its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and overall quality. Reputable gemological institutes, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI) are trusted sources of diamond certification.

1. Cut

The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted. It’s the only one of the 4 Cs influenced by human craftsmanship. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, producing brilliance and sparkle. Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor and plays a key role in visual appeal.

2. Color

Diamond color measures the presence of any hue, with the best diamonds being completely colorless. Graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown), most buyers prefer stones in the D–J range for visual appeal and value.

3. Clarity

Clarity refers to natural imperfections called inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). Grading ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). Many stones with minor inclusions (like VS1 or VS2) appear clean to the naked eye and offer a great balance of quality and price.

4. Carat Weight

Carat is the weight of the diamond (1 carat = 0.2 grams). Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive, but brilliance also depends on cut, color, and clarity. It’s all about the balance of the 4 Cs, not size alone.

Why IGI Certification Matters?

An IGI-certified diamond ensures:

Verification:

Confirms the diamond's authenticity and quality.

Transparency:

Offers a clear breakdown of the diamond’s properties.

Resale Value:

Helps maintain long-term value.

Peace of Mind:

Guarantees expert evaluation to global standards.

How to Read an IGI Diamond Certificate?

An IGI certificate typically includes:

  • Shape & Cut: The diamond’s outline and cut grade.

  • Dimensions: Exact length, width, and depth.

  • Carat Weight

  • Clarity: The clarity grade, including a description of any inclusions or blemishes.

  • Clarity Grade

  • Color Grade

  • Fluorescence: Whether the diamond glows under UV light.

  • Certificate Number:A unique code for verification via IGI’s official site.