IGI Reaffirms Commitment To 4Cs Grading For All Diamonds

The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s foremost authority in lab-grown diamond certification, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the universally recognized 4Cs grading system — Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat — for both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

This announcement comes amid growing concern in the gem industry over some organizations opting to adopt diluted or modified grading systems for lab-grown diamonds, potentially leading to consumer confusion and a lack of standardization.

IGI, which pioneered lab-grown diamond grading in 2005, recognized early on that lab-grown diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically identical to their natural counterparts. As with cultured pearls decades earlier, IGI applied the same grading principles to lab-grown diamonds to maintain clarity, trust, and consistency across the global market.

“Since our inception, IGI has remained steadfast in our role as an independent, third-party authentication body — unbiased, transparent, and scientifically grounded,” the institute stated. “Our commitment to accuracy, integrity, and global consistency has earned the trust of consumers, manufacturers, and retailers worldwide.”

Robust Grading Process and Global Infrastructure

Every diamond certified by IGI undergoes a rigorous 14-step grading process, carried out by highly trained gemologists using cutting-edge technology. This ensures each report upholds the highest standards of accuracy, impartiality, and consumer trust.

Key highlights of IGI’s global leadership in gem certification include:

• 31 laboratories across 10 countries — the largest gem lab network in the world.

• ISO 17025 accreditation, validating scientific rigor and precision in testing methods.

• Internal audits by the Big Four accounting firms, ensuring strong governance and transparency.

• Membership in the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), reflecting a commitment to ethics and sustainability.

• The only gemological lab listed on a stock exchange, underscoring financial accountability and transparency.

• Upholding the Industry’s Universal Language

For nearly a century, the 4Cs have defined how diamonds are evaluated and understood. IGI continues to uphold these principles not out of tradition alone, but out of a strong belief in the consumer’s right to transparency, consistency, and informed choice.

“At IGI, we’re not just grading diamonds — we’re safeguarding the trust that consumers place in us,” the statement concluded.