Diamond Certificate Lookup
Enter your IGI, GIA, or HRD certificate number to verify authenticity and access the official grading report directly from the issuing lab.
Verify Your Certificate
Select the issuing lab and enter your certificate number
Understanding the 4Cs of a Diamond
Every diamond grading report evaluates a diamond on four criteria — collectively called the 4Cs. Understanding these helps you compare diamonds and ensure you get the quality you paid for.
Cut
Most Important for BrillianceHow well-proportioned and faceted the diamond is
Cut determines how light travels through the diamond — its sparkle (brilliance), fire, and scintillation. A poorly cut diamond appears dull even if it has excellent colour and clarity.
Buy Excellent or Very Good cut for maximum sparkle. Never go below Good.
Colour
Absence of colour — the closer to colourless, the better
GIA grades diamond colour from D (perfectly colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). IGI uses the same scale. For white diamonds, aim for D–G (colourless to near-colourless).
| Grade | Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| D – F | Colourless | Premium choice |
| G – J | Near colourless | Best value |
| K – M | Faint yellow | Budget-friendly |
| N – Z | Light yellow/brown | Avoid for white diamonds |
Clarity
Absence of internal inclusions and surface blemishes
Clarity measures internal flaws (inclusions) and surface marks (blemishes) visible under 10× magnification. VS1–VS2 offers the best price-to-eye-clean ratio.
Grades decrease in quality left to right. VS1/VS2 are eye-clean and best value. SI1/SI2 may show inclusions with naked eye. Avoid I1.
Carat Weight
The physical weight of the diamond (1 ct = 200 mg)
Carat (ct) is the unit of weight for diamonds. 1 carat equals 200 milligrams. Price increases exponentially — a 2ct diamond costs more than double a 1ct of equal quality because larger rough diamonds are extremely rare.
Tip: A 0.95ct diamond looks nearly identical to 1ct but costs significantly less. Consider "just under" carat weights for better value.
Which Diamond Lab Should You Trust?
All three are internationally recognised grading labs. Here's how they compare for Indian jewellery buyers.
| Lab | Reputation | Common Use in India | Grading Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IGI
International Gemological Institute
|
Very High | Most common in India — used by Tanishq, CaratLane, Kalyan, Malabar Gold | Excellent. Slightly more lenient than GIA on some grades. |
|
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
|
Highest Globally | Premium jewellery stores, solitaire specialists, international resale | The gold standard. Most conservative (strict) grading worldwide. |
|
HRD Antwerp
Hoge Raad voor Diamant
|
High (Europe) | Less common in India; popular in Belgium, Netherlands, Middle East | Consistent European standard; accepted by most Indian dealers. |
India recommendation: For everyday jewellery purchases in India, an IGI certificate is perfectly reliable and accepted by all major chains. For investment-grade diamonds (1ct+) or international resale, prefer GIA.
Frequently Asked Questions
An IGI (International Gemological Institute) certificate is an official grading report issued after a diamond has been examined and graded by trained gemologists at IGI. It documents the diamond's 4Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, Carat), shape, measurements, fluorescence, and polish/symmetry. IGI is the most widely used lab for certified diamonds in India and is accepted by all major retail chains including Tanishq, Kalyan, Malabar, and CaratLane.
Both IGI and GIA are internationally respected and their certificates are accepted globally. GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is considered the most conservative (strictest) grader and is regarded as the global gold standard — especially for investment diamonds. IGI is slightly more lenient on some grades but is equally reliable for retail purchases. For diamonds bought in India for personal use, an IGI certificate is completely trustworthy and widely accepted.
An uncertified diamond is not necessarily fake, but its quality is unverified. If you have bought or are considering buying an uncertified diamond, you can get it certified by sending it to an IGI, GIA, or HRD lab (there are IGI offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, and other Indian cities). Certification costs typically ₹3,000–₹8,000 depending on carat weight. Always insist on a certificate when buying diamonds above 0.30ct.
Yes. Diamond certificates are permanent records tied to the stone, not the owner. If you are buying a second-hand diamond, ask for the original certificate number and verify it on the issuing lab's website. The certificate should match the diamond's weight and measurements. You can also have an independent gemologist compare the stone to the certificate to confirm it is the same diamond.