INTERNATIONAL GEMOLOGICAL INSTITUTE (IGI)

IGI's supreme position in the gemological world is no coincidence. It is the result of continuous research, support and synergy with professionals and consumers alike. Around the world, IGI certificates bring confidence when buying or selling diamonds, gemstones and jewelry. Total commitment to understanding consumer concerns has motivated IGI to develop comprehensive analysis and clear documentation for consumers. This empowers jewelry buyers to focus on finding precisely what they want, with full assurance in the integrity and quality of the IGI certification. IGI is the largest organization of its kind, with offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur, Surat, Chennai and Shanghai . The IGI School of Gemology operates from Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai and Cavalese, offering a variety of courses designed for professionals and consumer enthusiasts alike. A certificate from IGI represents the all-important 5th C that no one should be without: Confidence. As the world's largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute for diamonds, colored gemstones and jewelry, IGI is a standard of excellence for industry professionals and consumers around the globe. The Importance of Certification The value of a precious stone is determined by its gemological makeup, natural rarity and finished quality. Diamonds and gemstones of similar appearance can have important differences in value. Even experts need powerful analytic tools to detect synthetics, treatments and enhancement processes. An IGI Certificate clearly discloses the details of any item it accompanies, providing confidence for both buyer and seller. With more locations around the globe than any other laboratory, IGI is the world's most trusted name for the expert and impartial grading of diamonds, gemstones and jewelry. Gemstones should only change hands when accompanied by a certificate attesting to quality. Regardless of location or marketplace, an authentic IGI Laboratory Report is the common language of trust and confidence in the gemological world, and should be considered an essential part of any transaction. We take this responsibility very seriously. History 1975 - 1985 • IGI was established in 1975 and is today the oldest laboratory in Antwerp • IGI's School of Gemology is first to conduct training courses covering rough diamonds • IGI Laserscribe System Mark patent introduces a method to permanently mark diamonds using laser beams • IGI is the first laboratory to issue Jewelry Identification Reports • IGI is the only laboratory in the world providing repair and re-cut of diamonds • IGI is the first lab to seal diamonds for protection purpose • IGI develops the first comprehensive diamond cut grading chart 1986 - 1999 • IGI is first to perform permanent inscription on the table of diamonds, using ion beam technology • IGI Laboratories become fully equipped to identify any kind of synthetic diamond • IGI develops UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer to identify treated diamonds • IGI develops its own photoluminescence spectrometer to identify HPHT-processed diamonds • IGI is the first laboratory to go worldwide under one management. Today 17 offices 2000 - 2010 • IGI develops an innovative system for the grading of small diamonds • IGI is the first laboratory to issue co-branded certificates in cooperation with renowned jewelry industry brands • IGI introduces hands-on courses to factories for the purpose of improving manufacturing • IGI introduces supplemental courses to sales people and enthusiasts to improve their professional knowledge • IGI creates the Hearts and Arrows Diamond Reports with worldwide recognition