5 replies to this topic

[dan1033439]

how acurate is an IGI cert. all stores i have looked in have had an igi tag, but no
GIA, AGS OR EGL. anybody heard anything? please help

[highfly]

While IGI is a bonafide gem laboratory like GIA and AGS, they tend to cater more to the gemstones sold in mall stores or department stores. Those gemstones tend to be (as a general rule) of significantly lesser quality than those sold by independents, which tend to sell stones certified by GIA and AGS. This alone doesn't mean that an IGI certificate is of lesser quality, but it would make me steer toward GIA/AGS as preferred labs as they have more experience with the higher quality diamonds.

Just my 2c...

[JamesAllen]

To be honest, I don't believe that I have ever sold an IGI graded diamond. I've seen an IGI certificate before, but not actually sold a diamond that has been graded by that labratory. For the most part it seems that customers are purchasing diamonds that have been graded by AGS, GIA, or EGL. I would always recommend purchasing a GIA graded diamond. Especially if you are making your purchase "sight-unseen". Regardless though of who the diamond has been graded by or if it is a "non-graded" diamond, you should always take your diamond to an independant appraiser to be inspected. At that point you will definitely know if your diamond has been graded properly. Hopefully this helps. Good luck....

[TheRock]

I have to agree. IGI are well known in the industry for over the top appraisals and loose grading. Stick with GIA or AGS and you can't go wrong.

[highfly]

I was shopping at CostCo today, and noticed that they sell diamonds with IGI certs. It reminded me of this thread. They were offering a ring with a 2.00ct E VVS2 center stone and no sidestones for $32,900. It made me shudder to think of the high price (methinks that stone should be in the mid to high 20s), but on top of that, think that the less strict grading probably means you're not even getting an E/VVS2... and CostCo is supposed to be a cheap place to shop!

[jan]

I would have to narrow it down and say stick with GIA or AGS. That is all that we sell. I got tired or sending back EGL's that were misgraded.


Jan
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