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 Post subject: IGI vs GIA
PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:10 am 
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I heard that IGI is not accurate as GIA, if a "G" color in IGI will become "I" in GIA. Is this true? Or just in some case of the IGI cert not all of them??

I'm very interested in a diamond currently has pormotion: E VS1, VG cut, the price is good, but is IGI cert, I am not sure if I should go ahead or better choose a GIA cert diamond?

Any experts please give me some advice? Thanks


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:44 am 
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Location: Rome, Italy
hi
i think you could starting from other threads like this
i think there are even more but i don't remember well.
ciao
alberto


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 Post subject: all else being equal
PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 10:10 am 
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All else being equal, stones with a GIA certificate will sell for more. That is a fact in the trade at the moment. I would venture to say that consistency plays a role in this, but I will let you draw your own conclusions.

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PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 2:12 pm 
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AGS and GIA command the most respect.


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PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:14 pm 
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Now that I read the thread I wonder if some people might interpret my response as meaning that a stone with a GIA cert will sell for more than any other. That was not my intent and like Barbra says AGS also commands respect. If there is a premium for a GIA cert over an EGL cert it is very small.

By the way, you can do your own research on this. Pull up a list of diamonds on Bluenile.com or tradeshop.com or any site that sells certified stones. Look at the prices. Be careful though! I don't mean to lead you into a minefield. Although the online retailers want you to believe that every F-color, VVS1 stone is the same it is not! Cut grades have come a long way to leveling the playing field IMHO, but like people every stone is an individual. Still, you will see that GIA and AGS stones sell for more than EGL.

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PostPosted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 9:41 pm 
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Thank you for your guys reply.

I think I better go for a GIA cert daimond, actually most of the diamond on the market for sell have GIA cert anyway...


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 Post subject: Re: IGI vs GIA
PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:43 pm 
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I wouldn't buy a diamond that was not GIA-certified. They have the strictest grading standards and they are generally the most respected industry-wide. Not only did they develop the 4 C's in the first place, but it seems like they produce the most reliable reports. Not worth taking the risk of going with a less reputable lab when you are making such a big purchase in my opinion.


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 Post subject: Re: IGI vs GIA
PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:05 pm 
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For what it's worth, the main diamond in my wedding set was IGI certified as a G, VS1, .45ct (by a GG working for IGI). I've had it appraised by 2 separate appraisers (before my GIA days and I question the credentials of the independent appraisers). There was no dispute in the clarity grade but both people noted the diamond a "G-H". I figured then it was because of the yellow gold setting (while the prongs were white gold) but after taking Dia and Dia grading through the GIA, I've learned a diamond of this size and color should actually look better when mounted in contrast to yellow gold... So I don't know. GIA apparently doesn't grade mounted diamonds at their lab so I'm not sure what to make of it.

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 Post subject: Re: IGI vs GIA
PostPosted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 9:08 pm 
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To begin with, no lab "certifies" diamonds.
They grade them for color and clarity. :)

It is very difficult (perhaps impossible) to accurately color grade a mounted diamond and most professional graders will give the color of a mounted diamond a spread between 2-3 grades.

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I've learned a diamond of this size and color should actually look better when mounted in contrast to yellow gold.

I disagree. It will look fine in either white or yellow metal.
A diamond with color grade I or above will face up without body color when mounted.

I wouldn't give it another thought. Seems like you own a lovely ring which is being worn and enjoyed.


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 Post subject: Re: IGI vs GIA
PostPosted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 5:10 am 
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Thanks Barbra. ("certified") That's what I get for writing while I'm half asleep. ;)

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Gemologist diploma (GIA)
Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma (GIA)

~Melissa


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