IGI vs GIA: what your report tells you.
A grading report is your diamond’s independent record. Here is how the two best-known labs compare for lab-grown diamonds, and how to read and verify your report.
IGI and GIA, side by side.
| IGI | GIA | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | International Gemological Institute | Gemological Institute of America |
| Founded | 1975, Antwerp | 1931, United States |
| Known for | Grading a large share of lab-grown diamonds | Creating the 4Cs and the D–Z color scale |
| Lab-grown reports | Full cut, color and clarity grades | “Premium” or “standard” descriptions |
| Verify online | igi.org | gia.edu |
| With Raul | Every center diamond | On request, for specific stones |
What each line means.
Your report records your diamond’s identity and grades. These are the lines to look at first.
| On the report | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Report number | Your diamond’s unique ID, used to verify it online. |
| Shape and cutting style | The outline and facet pattern, such as round brilliant or oval. |
| Measurements | Length, width and depth in millimeters. This decides face-up size. |
| Carat weight | The weight, to two decimal places. One carat is 0.2 grams. |
| Color | The color grade on the D–Z scale. |
| Clarity | The clarity grade, from FL to I3. |
| Cut, polish, symmetry | How precisely the diamond was cut and finished. |
| Fluorescence | How the diamond reacts to UV light. |
| Comments | The growth method (CVD or HPHT) and other notes. |
Check your report in a minute.
Find the number
It is printed at the top of your report.
Visit the lab
Go to igi.org and open “Verify your report”.
Compare
The lab shows the same grades held in its records.
About certification.
Which is better for a lab-grown diamond, IGI?
Both are respected, independent laboratories. For lab-grown diamonds, IGI reports list full cut, color and clarity grades. GIA’s newer lab-grown reports describe a diamond as “premium” or “standard” instead.
Is the report included in the price?
Yes. Every Raul center diamond ships with its original grading report at no extra cost.
How do I verify my report?
Enter the report number at igi.org (IGI) or gia.edu (GIA). The lab shows the grading results held in its own records.
Why does my diamond have a tiny number on its edge?
Many graded diamonds carry a microscopic laser inscription of the report number on the girdle, the thin outer edge. It links the stone to its report and is invisible without magnification.
Do insurers and appraisers accept IGI reports?
IGI is widely used by jewelers, insurers and appraisers. Keep your report and order confirmation together when you insure your ring.
Can I choose a GIA-graded diamond?
Every Raul center diamond ships with an independent IGI report. If you would prefer a GIA-graded stone, ask our team about a specific diamond.
Every Raul diamond, independently graded.
Shop certified lab-grown engagement rings, or ask us to walk you through any report.