Diamond Certification

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

The GIA Certificate on these diamonds is an asset and should be taken into account when comparing the price against other diamonds. Within the industry, the Gemological Institute of America is considered the gold standard for diamond grading in North America. GIA reports are reviewed by as many as 7 independent gemologists before a diamond evaluation is released. GIA reports are more expensive to buy than those from other labs (which increases the cost of your diamond somewhat) but they add value to your diamond because they represent a solid, reliable opinion of the grade of your diamond. Learn More About GIA

AGL (American Gemlab)

American Gemlab is owned and operated by Ms. Laurie Nidiffer. Established in 1986, American Gemlab was soon recognized as the preferred gemological services company in the Midwestern United States. Ms. Nidiffer's attention to detail and uncompromising ethics have earned AGL a distinctive place in the gem and jewelry industry. Laurie remains very involved in the day-to-day operations of American Gemlab, and her personal attention is given to every AGL client. She keeps current with the jewelry industry and is a member in good standing with The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), The Jewelers Vigilance Committee (JVC), and The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Alumni Association. Learn More About AGL

IGI (International Gemological Institute)

The IGI Certificate on these diamonds should be taken into account when comparing the price against other diamonds. Within the industry, most experts would agree that the IGI Lab often grades a step higher than GIA or AGS in either Color or Clarity. This would effectively reduce the actual value of a stone by about 10% for a 1 carat weight, and roughly 20% for a 2 carat weight. This does not necessarily mean that the diamond is a bad deal you should simply consider the possibility that it may be a grade lower in color or clarity when evaluating the price against other diamonds certified by labs with the highest grading standards. Learn More About IGI

EGL (European Gemological Laboratory)

EGL certificates should also be taken into account when comparing the price against other lab's certified diamonds. Within the industry, most experts would agree that the EGL Lab often grades a step higher than GIA or AGS in either Color or Clarity. This would effectively reduce the actual value of a stone by about 10% for a 1 carat weight, and roughly 20% for a 2 carat weight. This does not necessarily mean that the diamond is a bad deal you should simply consider the possibility that it may be a grade lower in color or clarity when evaluating the price against other diamonds certified by labs with the highest grading standards. Learn More About EGL

IGL (Independent Gemological Laboratories)

The Independent Gemological Laboratories (IGL) Certificate on these diamonds should be taken into account when comparing the price against other diamonds. Within the industry, most experts would agree that the IGL Lab often grades 1 or 2 steps higher than GIA, AGS or AGL in either Color or Clarity. This would effectively reduce the actual value of a stone by about 20% or more. This does not necessarily mean that the diamond is a bad deal you should simply consider the possibility that it may be a grade lower in color or clarity when evaluating the price against other diamonds certified by labs with the highest grading standards. Learn More About IGL