# IGI Certificate Explained ## IGI Lab-Grown Diamond Grading Explained An IGI certificate is an independent grading report from the International Gemological Institute — the world's largest certifier of lab-grown diamonds. It objectively documents a diamond's cut, color, clarity, carat weight, growth method, and laser inscription number, with no commercial interest in the stone's value. Every DEEVE lab-grown diamond includes a verified IGI certificate with online authentication at igi.org. On This Page [Quick Answer](#quick-answer) [By the Numbers](#by-the-numbers) [The 4Cs](#the-4cs) [Certificate Fields](#certificate-fields) [How to Verify](#verify) [DEEVE Standards](#deeve-standards) [Expert Perspective](#expert-perspective) [FAQ](#faq) Quick Answer: 5 Key Facts About IGI Certificates - **IGI is the #1 certifier for lab-grown diamonds** — accepted by major retailers and insurers worldwide - **The certificate grades the 4Cs** — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, plus polish, symmetry, and fluorescence - **Growth method is disclosed** — CVD or HPHT is stated on every lab-grown diamond report - **Verify online in 60 seconds** — enter the report number at igi.org to confirm authenticity - **DEEVE selects D–G color, VS2+ clarity, Excellent–Very Good cut** — every certificate verified before acceptance ### By the Numbers — IGI & Diamond Facts - **50 million+** grading reports issued by IGI since its founding in 1975. [igi.org →](https://www.igi.org) - **2018** — the year the FTC revised its Jewelry Guides to formally recognize lab-grown diamonds as real diamonds, stating they share the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as mined diamonds. [ftc.gov →](https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2018/07/ftc-issues-enforcement-policy-statement-jewelry-guides) - **95–98%** of CVD lab-grown diamonds are Type IIa — the purest diamond classification, containing no detectable nitrogen. Fewer than 2% of natural diamonds qualify as Type IIa. - **Mohs 10 / ~10,000 HV** — diamond hardness on both the Mohs and Vickers scales. The hardest natural material on Earth. Lab-grown diamonds are physically identical. - **50–80% less** — the typical cost savings of a lab-grown diamond versus a comparable natural diamond, as of 2024. [IGI market data →](https://www.igi.org) - **1953** — the year GIA introduced the 4Cs grading framework, now the universal standard used by IGI and all major gemological laboratories. [gia.edu →](https://www.gia.edu) ✓ Every DEEVE lab-grown diamond includes a verified IGI certificate with online authentication. ### The 4Cs: What IGI Grades IGI evaluates every diamond across four quality dimensions — the industry-standard 4Cs framework created by GIA and used by all major gemological laboratories. #### Cut How well the diamond's facets interact with light. Grades: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Cut is the most important factor for brilliance. #### Color Absence of color in white diamonds. Graded D (colorless) to Z (light yellow). D–G is the range DEEVE selects for near-colorless to colorless appearance. #### Clarity Internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface features (blemishes). Graded FL to I3. VS2 and above means inclusions are invisible to the naked eye. #### Carat The diamond's weight. 1 carat = 0.2 grams. Carat affects size but should always be evaluated alongside cut quality for optimal appearance. ### Sample IGI Certificate This is what an IGI Laboratory Grown Diamond Report looks like. Every field is explained in detail below. ![Sample IGI Laboratory Grown Diamond Certificate showing grading report with 4Cs, clarity plot, and proportions diagram](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0773/3457/7397/files/D62779234_12.jpg?v=1771958980) Sample IGI Laboratory Grown Diamond Report — report number and personal details redacted for privacy. ### What's on the Certificate - **Report Number**Unique ID for online verification and insurance records - **Shape & Cut Style**e.g. Round Brilliant, Oval, Princess, Cushion - **Measurements**Precise dimensions in millimeters - **Cut Grade**Excellent / Very Good / Good - **Color Grade**D through Z scale - **Clarity Grade**FL, IF, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1–I3 - **Carat Weight**Weight to two decimal places - **Polish & Symmetry**Surface finish and facet precision grades - **Fluorescence**Reaction to UV light: None, Faint, Medium, Strong - **Growth Method**CVD or HPHT — how the lab-grown diamond was produced - **Post-Growth Treatment**Discloses HPHT annealing or other treatments if applied - **Clarity Plot**Diagram showing the location and type of any inclusions - **Laser Inscription**Report number engraved on the diamond's girdle ### How to Verify Your Certificate 1. Locate the **IGI Report Number** printed on your certificate 2. Visit **igi.org/Verify-Your-Report** and enter the number 3. The IGI database displays the original grading details — confirm they match your certificate 4. Under 10× magnification, check the **laser inscription** on the diamond's girdle matches the report number ### DEEVE's Diamond Standards - **Color:** D–G range (colorless to near-colorless) - **Clarity:** VS2 or higher — inclusions invisible to the naked eye - **Cut:** Excellent to Very Good — maximum light performance - **Certification:** Every certificate verified through IGI's official portal before acceptance - **Laser inscription:** Confirmed to match certificate number on every stone - **Treatment disclosure:** Any post-growth treatments are disclosed on the certificate ### Expert Perspective > “Every IGI certificate I review, I check three things first: cut grade, laser inscription match, and whether post-growth treatment is disclosed. Those three tell you everything about the stone’s integrity.” > > — **Arta Talachian**, Master Goldsmith & Certified Gemologist, DEEVE — [Full bio →](/pages/ara-talachian-master-goldsmith-certified-gemologist) ### Frequently Asked Questions ### Is IGI as good as GIA? IGI and GIA are both reputable, internationally recognized gemological laboratories. GIA is the most widely recognized globally and is considered the industry standard for natural diamonds. IGI is the most widely used certification for lab-grown diamonds and offers comparable grading at a lower cost. For lab-grown diamonds, IGI certification is accepted by major retailers and insurers worldwide. Both are trustworthy — the key is buying any certified diamond over an uncertified one. [Read the full GIA vs IGI vs GCAL comparison →](/blogs/diamond-education/diamond-certification-standards-gia-igi-gcal) ### What clarity grade should I look for? VS2 or higher means inclusions are invisible to the naked eye — this is the best value for most buyers. VVS1 and IF grades are premium but the difference from VS2 is invisible without magnification. DEEVE selects VS2 and above for all lab-grown diamonds. Avoid I1–I3 grades where inclusions may be visible and can affect durability. [Read: Diamond Clarity & Quality Guide →](/pages/diamond-quality-guide) ### Is a lab-grown diamond worth buying? Yes — for most buyers, a lab-grown diamond offers the same optical, physical, and chemical properties as a mined diamond at 50–80% less cost. The FTC confirmed in 2018 that lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds. The trade-off is resale value: lab-grown diamonds have depreciated faster than natural diamonds in recent years. For buyers prioritizing size, quality, and ethics over investment, lab-grown is the stronger choice. ### Can you tell the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds? Not with the naked eye — or even under standard 10× magnification. Lab-grown and natural diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical. Gemological laboratories like IGI use advanced spectroscopy equipment to identify growth method. The IGI certificate discloses whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural, and the laser inscription confirms it. ### Do lab-grown diamonds hold their value? Lab-grown diamonds have experienced significant price depreciation since 2020 as production costs have fallen. They are not recommended as investment assets. Natural diamonds have historically held value better, though neither is a liquid investment. If resale value matters, a natural diamond with GIA certification is the stronger choice. If maximizing size and quality per dollar is the priority, lab-grown wins decisively. ### What does D color mean on a diamond certificate? D is the highest color grade on the GIA/IGI scale — completely colorless. The scale runs D (colorless) through Z (light yellow or brown). D, E, and F are colorless; G through J are near-colorless and represent the best value for most buyers. DEEVE selects D–G color for all lab-grown diamonds. ### Is VS2 clarity good enough for an engagement ring? Yes — VS2 is the industry sweet spot for engagement rings. Inclusions are invisible to the naked eye and require 10× magnification to detect. The visual difference between VS2 and VVS1 is imperceptible without equipment. DEEVE's minimum clarity standard is VS2 for this reason. Going below SI1 risks visible inclusions depending on the stone and cut. ### What is the best cut for maximum sparkle? Round Brilliant is the most optically efficient cut — its 57–58 facets are mathematically optimized for light return, brilliance, and fire. For maximum sparkle, prioritize an Excellent cut grade over color or clarity upgrades. Oval and cushion cuts also perform well. Princess cuts can show more fire but are more vulnerable to chipping at the corners. ### What does the growth method field mean on my certificate? CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) are the two methods used to grow lab-grown diamonds. IGI discloses the growth method on every lab-grown diamond certificate. Neither method produces a better diamond — quality depends on the certified 4Cs grades. Both have identical hardness (Mohs 10) and optical properties. [Read: CVD vs HPHT Explained →](/pages/cvd-vs-hpht-diamonds) ### What does "post-growth treatment" mean on an IGI certificate? Some lab-grown diamonds undergo HPHT annealing after initial growth to improve color by reducing yellow or brown tones. This treatment is permanent, stable, and does not affect durability. IGI discloses it in the Comments section of the certificate. A treated diamond is still a real diamond — treatment disclosure is a sign of transparency, not a defect. ### Does an IGI certificate affect resale or insurance value? Yes. An IGI certificate provides objective, third-party documentation of a diamond's characteristics that is recognized by insurers, appraisers, and resellers worldwide. Certified diamonds are easier to insure and command higher resale values than uncertified stones. The laser inscription linking the physical diamond to the certificate provides additional security against substitution. ### Where can I learn more about reading an IGI certificate? For a complete walkthrough of every field on an IGI lab-grown diamond certificate — including how to read the 4Cs, verify the laser inscription, and compare IGI with GIA and HRD — see our full guide. [How to Read an IGI Lab Grown Diamond Certificate — Complete Guide →](/blogs/diamond-education/understanding-igi-lab-grown-diamond-certificates-verification-grading) Related Resources [Jewelry Guides Hub →](/pages/jewelry-guides-central-hub) [Diamond Education Hub →](/pages/diamond-education-hub) [Diamond Certificates Guide →](/pages/diamond-certification-guide) [IGI Certificate — Full Guide →](/blogs/diamond-education/understanding-igi-lab-grown-diamond-certificates-verification-grading) [GIA vs IGI vs GCAL →](/blogs/diamond-education/diamond-certification-standards-gia-igi-gcal) [Lab-Grown Buying Guide →](/pages/diamond-buying-guide) [CVD vs HPHT →](/pages/cvd-vs-hpht-diamonds) [Diamond Clarity & Quality Guide →](/pages/diamond-quality-guide) [Shop Diamond Jewelry →](/collections/diamond-jewelry) This guide was reviewed by [Arta Talachian](/pages/ara-talachian-master-goldsmith-certified-gemologist), Master Goldsmith & Certified Gemologist with 25+ years of experience in fine jewelry design, crafting, and appraisal. For questions about your specific diamond's certificate, [contact our team](mailto:support@deeve.ca). Browse IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds set in solid 14K gold — with lifetime warranty and free shipping to Canada and the US. [Shop Diamond Jewelry](/collections/diamond-jewelry) --- > Source: [DEEVE](https://deeve.ca/pages/igi-certificate-explained)