Ever wondered what makes a diamond truly trustworthy? When buying a lab-grown diamond, certification is your guarantee of authenticity, quality, and value. It’s what separates a genuine, high-quality diamond from one that might not meet the promised standards.
In India, two certifications stand out above the rest—IGI (International Gemological Institute) and SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories).
First let’s talk about IGI. Founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, IGI started as a small gemological institute but quickly grew into a global authority in diamond certification. Antwerp, known as the "diamond capital of the world," provided the perfect base for IGI to establish itself as a leader in the field.
Over the years, IGI expanded its presence worldwide, opening offices and laboratories in major cities across Asia, Europe, and North America. It became particularly well-known for grading lab-grown diamonds, playing a key role in setting industry standards for these sustainable alternatives. Today, IGI operates in over 20+ countries, with a strong presence in India, the U.S., and China, making it one of the most widely recognized gem certification institutes globally.
Now let’s talk about the other diamond certification — SGL. It was founded to provide reliable and accessible diamond certification for the Indian and international jewelry markets. While it doesn’t have the same global reach as IGI, it has built a strong reputation among local jewelers and buyers by offering trustworthy and consistent grading reports.
Over time, SGL expanded beyond India, opening certification labs in major cities across the UK and the Middle East. Today, SGL is widely used by Indian jewelry brands, making it a go-to choice for customers looking for trust and transparency in their purchases.
But why do Indian buyers trust these the most? Let’s understand!
5 Reasons Why Indian Buyers Trust IGI & SGL for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewellery
1. IGI & SGL Are the Most Recognized Lab-Grown Diamond Certifiers in India
When you walk into a jewellery store in India looking for a lab-grown diamond, chances are the jeweler will show you an IGI or SGL-certified piece. That’s because these certifications have built a strong reputation in India over the years. Both are recognized and trusted by buyers and jewelers alike.
Other certifications, like GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant), are well-known globally, but they focus more on natural diamonds. GIA, for instance, only started grading lab-grown diamonds in recent years, while IGI and SGL have been pioneers in this category.
2. IGI & SGL Provide Detailed and Reliable Grading Reports
When buying a lab-grown diamond, you want a clear understanding of its 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Both IGI and SGL certifications provide a detailed breakdown of these factors, making it easy for buyers to understand exactly what they’re getting.
Compared to other certifiers, IGI and SGL reports are more comprehensive, including information on fluorescence, symmetry, and proportions. Their grading systems are well-structured and widely accepted, ensuring consistency across all diamonds.
Other certifiers, like GIA, use slightly different grading scales, which can sometimes create confusion. IGI and SGL follow an industry-standard approach, making it simpler for Indian buyers.
3. IGI & SGL-Certified Lab-Grown Diamonds Offer Better Value
Lab-grown diamonds are already more affordable than natural diamonds, and IGI and SGL certifications ensure you get the best value for your money.
Compared to GIA-certified diamonds, IGI and SGL-certified lab-grown diamonds are often priced lower, not because they are inferior, but because GIA charges higher certification fees. This cost difference gets passed on to buyers. So, with IGI and SGL, you get a certified, high-quality diamond without paying extra for the name.
4. Trusted by Indian Jewelers and Brands
Indian buyers often go by what reliable jewelers recommend, and most reputed brands in India prefer IGI and SGL certifications for lab-grown diamonds. Since these certifications have a strong presence in India, jewelers trust their grading systems, making it easier for buyers to find certified diamonds that fit their budget and style preferences.
On the other hand, some certifications, like HRD and GSI (Gemological Science International), are not as widely recognized in India. This makes IGI and SGL the go-to choices for most Indian shoppers.
5. IGI & SGL Offer Faster Certification and Better Accessibility
Unlike GIA, which primarily operates from the U.S., IGI and SGL have multiple laboratories in India, including in Mumbai, Surat, and Kolkata. This local presence allows them to provide faster certification services for lab-grown diamonds.
For buyers, this means less waiting time for their diamond to be certified, easier verification through online databases, and better customer support within India.
Final Thoughts: Should You Choose an IGI or SGL-Certified Lab-Grown Diamond?
Absolutely! If you’re buying a lab-grown diamond in India, IGI or SGL certification is a smart choice. Both are trusted, detailed, and offer great value for money. Whether you're choosing a stunning engagement ring, an everyday jewelry piece, or a thoughtful gift, an IGI or SGL-certified diamond ensures you’re making a smart and informed purchase. Because when it comes to diamonds, trust isn’t just important—it’s everything.
FAQs
1. Is an IGI or SGL-certified lab-grown diamond jewellery a good investment?
Yes! They guarantee quality, transparency, and ethical sourcing. They offer excellent brilliance at a more affordable price compared to natural diamonds, making them a smart and stylish choice.
2. How can I verify an IGI or SGL-certified diamond?
You can easily verify an IGI-certified diamond by checking the unique certification number on the IGI website or using their verification tools. Similarly, SGL-certified diamonds can be verified through SGL’s official website. This ensures the diamond's authenticity and quality before purchase.
3. What Does an IGI Diamond Certification Guarantee?
An IGI Diamond Certification is an official report from the International Gemological Institute that evaluates a diamond based on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight), along with other factors like fluorescence and symmetry. It guarantees that the diamond has been professionally graded, ensuring transparency and authenticity, giving buyers confidence in their purchase.
4. How to Verify the Authenticity of an IGI Diamond Certificate Online?
Verifying an IGI diamond certificate online is simple! Each certificate has a unique report number. To verify it, just head over to the IGI website at www.igi.org or www.igiworldwide.com and look for the "Verify Your Report" section. Enter the report number from your certificate, and you're good to go!
If your certificate has a QR code, just scan it with your phone’s camera, and it will take you straight to the verification page. IGI keeps a digital record of all the diamonds it grades, so you can easily match the details with the ones on your certificate.
This easy verification process works for all types of IGI reports, including those for diamonds, jewelry, and even lab-grown diamonds.
