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It also doesn't have a separate report, just a mini card like above. GSI’s grading is not only looser than giant grading labs but also goes below the grades of IGI. GSI is widely known in the United States and has certified diamonds from giant retailers like Kay and Zales. While GSI (Gemological Science International) is a freshplayer in the diamond market, the fail to surpass, or even meet standards labs like AGS and GIA have set. Can You Trust Gemological Science International (GSI)? A few loose diamonds at Blue Nile may have IGI certification, but it is best to steer away from them or filter to GIA/AGS certified diamonds. Diamonds sold at the two online jewelers have GIA certification (if not AGS). What makes this company so unreliable is that it uses similar terminology to GIA reports, yet when you compare the two certificates, the values are way off! It is better off going for lower grades in GIA buying an over graded stone.įinding diamonds from companies like James Allen or Blue Nile is the most preferred choice. The carat weight and clarity were the same, but the variations in color and cut had a massive impact on the overall price. For instance, in a reported lawsuit, one customer claimed to have been robbed thousands after buying diamond cufflinks worth $135,000, yet actual reports evaluate the stones at $22,500. I’ve seen a great deal of customers going for EGL diamonds and then later realizing the huge mistake they’ve just made. Even with major stores on its client list, IGI still fails to produce accurate reports and they have a laid back approach when it comes to grading. With cheaper diamond grading certificates and fast turnarounds, the company became a popular brand in diamond chains. IGI gained its reputation when it started to certify major jewelry stores in Canada and the United States. Read Also: What are the top places to buy lab diamonds online? Can You Trust The International Gemological Institute (IGI)? A certificate from GIA will most likely be more precise than that from EGL. Labs like GIA are reputable entities having thorough grading processes and experienced staff. Of course, these reports are inconsistent and the values are often questionable.ĮGL is known to produce stones that are inconsistently graded: some up to three levels! Remember a single mistake in grading a diamond can cost you thousands of bucks, so identifying mediocre grading labs will be a huge money saver. Now, since there’s no one lab considered to have a gold standard of measurement, shady labs tend to get away with cheaper reports. It’s where the value of a diamond is determined by its physical and optical properties. Why Is Diamond Grading So Crucial In The Market?įirstly, diamond grading is not similar to hallmarking where the value of a stone is equivalent to its contents only. In this piece, I’ll point out suspicious gemological labs and why you should keep off them. So for you to get a diamond that’s worth the price, you’ll have to do away with bad grading reports. In fact, I have a whole page outlining the best gemological labs and why you should insist on them. But that doesn’t prevent great gem labs from existing.