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GRADING LABORATORIES & CERTIFICATES
Below, we will provide you with a brief overview of the main grading laboratories from around the world.
GIA - THE GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF AMERICA
Let's start with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Founded in 1931 with headquarters in New York, GIA developed the first-ever internationally accepted Diamond Grading System. They aim to provide consumers with objective and independent assessments of diamond quality, and their grading system is widely recognized as the strictest. The three GIA certificates are the GIA Diamond Grading Report, a color report focusing on diamond identification and origin, and a dossier for diamonds weighing less than one carat.
GRADING LABORATORIES & CERTIFICATES
The EGL has labs worldwide, from London and Mumbai to Antwerp and Tel Aviv. The EGL employs consistent standards across all laboratories, with a different grading approach compared to other leading laboratories. Certificates issued include the EGL Diamond Certificate Report, the CertiCard (a compact credit card-like certificate), and the mini-certificate, which falls between the two.
EGL USA - THE EUROPEAN GEMOLOGICAL LABORATORY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
The reason the US version of EGL gets its own mention is that it is not owned and overseen by the same entity as the EGL mentioned above. Comprising four North American-based labs, EGL USA provides certificates such as the EGL USA Diamond Certificate, a report on Colored Diamond Origin, and a Colored Diamond Analysis Report.
IGI - THE INTERNATIONAL GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Founded in Antwerp in 1975 with a sister lab in New York, the IGI is a leading global gemological institution. They pride themselves on an objective view and are not associated with any commercial sales. With over 250 experts, IGI issues certificates including the IGI Diamond Report, a report on the hearts and arrows diamond effect, and IGI Diamond ID. For more information on the hearts and arrows effect, visit our page.
HRD - THE DIAMOND HIGH COUNCIL – HOGE RAAD VOOR DIAMANTE
Established in 1976 as a non-profit organization, HRD is now one of the largest diamond certification labs globally with an outstanding reputation. Sophisticated machinery is used to determine diamond quality. Certificates issued include the HRD Diamond Certificate, as well as a color certificate and identification report.
AGS - THE AMERICAN GEM SOCIETY
Founded by Robert Shipley in 1934, the AGS is a trade association based in Las Vegas. It consists of carefully chosen industry experts, suppliers, independent appraisers, and retail jewelers. AGS issues both a diamond quality document and report. The latter includes GIA terminology as well as AGS terminology, and the former is more detailed, including illustrations and diagrams.
