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?
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:16 am Posts: 305 Location: Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
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.
_________________ Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ~Mark Twain
Joined: Mon Jan 29, 2007 5:16 am Posts: 305 Location: Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
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.
_________________ Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ~Mark Twain
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.
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.
_________________ GIA student, wife, and mom to 3.
Gemologist diploma (GIA) Accredited Jewelry Professional diploma (GIA)
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2005 12:22 pm Posts: 21602 Location: San Francisco
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.
Quote:
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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