How to Read an IGI Certificate

An IGI certificate (report) is an independent grading of a diamond by the International Gemological Institute. It is the fastest way to check that the diamond you are paying for is the diamond described. Here is what to look at, in order.

1. The report number

Every report has a unique number, also laser-inscribed on better stones. You can type that number into IGI's own report check to confirm the details match the paper in your hand. If a seller will not show you the report number, walk away.

2. The 4Cs

Carat — the weight. On earrings and bracelets you will see CTW (carat total weight) across all the stones. Colour — graded from D (colourless) down; our pieces sit in the D–F range. Clarity — how clean the stone is, from IF down; most of our pieces are VS to VVS. Cut — how well the stone is proportioned; cut is what makes a diamond sparkle, more than any other grade.

3. Proportions, polish and symmetry

The report lists the stone's measurements and how well it was finished. Excellent polish and symmetry mean the facets line up properly and the stone returns light instead of leaking it.

4. Origin

A lab grown report states clearly that the diamond is laboratory grown. That honesty is the point — the certificate should never leave you guessing what you bought.

Our pieces

Our 1.50 CTW pendant and 2 CTW pendant include an IGI certificate, and every piece in the store comes with a third-party appraisal. When you view a piece in Vancouver, we are happy to go over its paperwork with you line by line — or meet at the appraisal office for verification.