About The IGI - International Gemological Institute
Friday, June 3, 2011 by admin
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is another of the world wide institutes dedicated to both the grading of diamonds and the continuing education of jewelers. It was founded in Antwerp in 1975, and grew from an original staff of three to over 450 professionals spread over a world wide laboratory network that includes New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv.
They claim to issue certificates on over 1 million diamonds yearly. Their customers include jewelers, retail stores, insurance companies, internet sales organizations, catalogue companies, as well as individual consumers.
The main service of the IGI is the issue of their Diamond Report which is a statement that attests to the authenticity of a diamond and gives an accurate report based on internationally recognized standards. Each diamond is scientifically analyzed by several gemologists, who use the most modern equipment available, as well as their own judgment and experience to produce the report. The report itself provides detailed information, but presented in language that makes it clear and understandable. Like the other major grading institutes they use the 4C method of grading. The 4Cs are carat weight, color, and cut. The diamonds are returned sealed in plastic containers, if this service is requested, to insure the report and the actual diamond match.
The IGI also provides educational services to people the world over who come to Antwerp to improve their knowledge of diamonds and colored stones. For those unable to travel to Antwerp, there is a Home Study Correspondence course to teach the essentials of diamond grading to jewelers.
They claim to issue certificates on over 1 million diamonds yearly. Their customers include jewelers, retail stores, insurance companies, internet sales organizations, catalogue companies, as well as individual consumers.
The main service of the IGI is the issue of their Diamond Report which is a statement that attests to the authenticity of a diamond and gives an accurate report based on internationally recognized standards. Each diamond is scientifically analyzed by several gemologists, who use the most modern equipment available, as well as their own judgment and experience to produce the report. The report itself provides detailed information, but presented in language that makes it clear and understandable. Like the other major grading institutes they use the 4C method of grading. The 4Cs are carat weight, color, and cut. The diamonds are returned sealed in plastic containers, if this service is requested, to insure the report and the actual diamond match.
The IGI also provides educational services to people the world over who come to Antwerp to improve their knowledge of diamonds and colored stones. For those unable to travel to Antwerp, there is a Home Study Correspondence course to teach the essentials of diamond grading to jewelers.
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