Editor’s Note
This article highlights the critical importance of independent gemstone certification from major laboratories like GIA, HRD, and IGI in today’s market, arguing that in-store assessments, while valuable for service, are no longer sufficient for establishing trust and value.
Even if it may sound harsh, there is virtually no way around official certificates for precious stones anymore. In-store quality checks are a nice add-on within the framework of customer service and loyalty. However, certified stone analysis primarily bears the initials GIA, HRD, and IGI. And then there’s Tiffany.
Advantage through competence and seniority – this could describe the global standing of a GIA diamond certificate. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was founded in 1931 and describes itself as the leading authority in the evaluation of diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. The 4C criteria created by GIA are still considered the pillar of diamond grading, even if the fine gradings of other certifications differ slightly. This is because GIA can refer to roughly 40 years more expertise compared to other institutions.
As a non-profit organization, GIA emphasizes being the first institution in terms of expertise, standards, and research & education. Internationally recognized, a GIA certificate is considered a top certification. The world-famous Hope Diamond, weighing 45.52 carats, was classified in 1988 by… yes, GIA. Prices for GIA certifications can be found on the GIA website, leaving no surprises: According to the current price list, a ‘Diamond Grading Report’ for up to 0.99 carats costs $78, and a laser ‘Report number’ starts at $12 and up. Unfortunately, GIA no longer has a branch in Europe; Antwerp was closed in 2022. Among the roughly dozen branches worldwide, ‘Carlsbad’ carries a CA suffix – for California. GIA reports (also for LGD) can take up to several weeks depending on the order volume.
Antwerp is somewhat like the European counterpart to the US power of GIA. Two significant certificates, IGI (International Gemological Institute) and HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant – Diamond High Council), are based in the European diamond mecca of Antwerp. Founded in 1975, IGI describes itself as “the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory” and has been providing accurate and reliable diamond certifications for nearly 50 years. IGI also highlights its pioneering role in LGD classification, stating that it recognized the future important market position of synthetic diamonds as early as 2008. Additionally, EGL (European Gemological Laboratory) with its US subsidiary should be mentioned, rounding out the provider circle for common and reliable stone certificates.
A company active in ‘Haute Joaillerie’ for nearly 200 years, precisely since 1837, can apparently forge its own path. Tiffany, alongside “Iconic Engagement Rings” and the “Tiffany Experience,” also provides its own certificate, which maintains “authenticity, integrity, and quality” with “the highest grading standards.” Regarding so-called conflict diamonds, the house adheres to a “zero-tolerance policy.” Overall, public success seems to validate the unique path of this luxury world brand in turquoise.
IGI: Decades of expertise. The institute emphasizes certifying diamonds and gemstones at more locations worldwide than any other.
HRD Antwerp: The “High Council” in Antwerp stands for European quality in the certification of diamonds or jewelry. Laboratories in Antwerp, Mumbai, or Dubai guarantee this with the latest state-of-the-art technology.
GIA: GIA has been the institution for professional expertise since 1931 and remains so to this day. Currently, GIA certainly receives tailwinds because consumers are increasingly demanding top certificates.
