Proof of Quality

IGI vs GIA
Diamond Certifications

At True Smith Jewelry, every diamond comes with a trusted, independent grading report.

Independent Grading

What Is a Diamond Certificate?

A diamond certificate — also called a grading report — is an independent assessment by a gemological laboratory that documents a diamond's exact characteristics. It is not an appraisal. It is objective proof of what you are buying.

IGI

International Gemological Institute

Founded in 1975 in Antwerp, Belgium, IGI is one of the world's largest independent gemological laboratories. IGI certifies LAB-GROWN diamonds exclusively — the undisputed global leader in lab-grown grading, with decades of dedicated expertise in this category.

  • Founded 1975 — Antwerp, Belgium
  • One of the world's largest grading labs
  • Certifies lab-grown diamonds exclusively
  • Faster turnaround — typically 1–2 weeks
  • More cost-efficient certification
  • The global standard for lab-grown diamond quality

GIA

Gemological Institute of America

Founded in 1931 in the United States, GIA created the 4Cs grading system — the global standard for evaluating diamond quality. GIA certifies NATURAL (mined) diamonds exclusively — the gold standard for earth-mined stones, with nearly a century of heritage in natural diamond grading.

  • Founded 1931 — United States
  • Created the 4Cs grading system
  • Certifies natural (mined) diamonds exclusively
  • Longer processing — typically 2–3 weeks
  • Higher certification costs
  • The gold standard for natural earth-mined diamonds

Side by Side

Key Differences

Category IGI GIA
Diamond Type Lab-grown diamonds exclusively Natural (mined) diamonds exclusively
Grading Standards Highly detailed; global leader in lab-grown grading Very strict; the gold standard for natural diamonds
Expertise Decades of specialized lab-grown experience Nearly a century of natural diamond heritage
Cost & Time Faster (1–2 weeks) and more affordable Longer (2–3 weeks) with higher certification fees

Our Approach at True Smith Jewelry

TrueSmith primarily carries IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds. IGI is the global leader in lab-grown grading — highly detailed, specialized, faster, and more cost-efficient. For natural (mined) diamonds, all stones carry GIA certification, the gold standard for earth-mined stones.

Want a natural diamond? Contact us — we're happy to source GIA-certified stones to your exact specifications — contact us.

Every Report Includes

What's on Your Certificate

Diamond Identification

  • Shape and cutting style
  • Measurements and carat weight
  • Natural or lab-grown origin

Grading Information

  • Cut, color, and clarity grades
  • Fluorescence rating
  • Polish and symmetry grades

Additional Features

  • Inclusion plotting diagram
  • Proportion and facet layout
  • Security features and unique report number

Ready to Find Your Diamond?

Every diamond in our collection comes with an IGI certificate. Browse certified stones now.