Diamond Certification Explained: Understanding IGI, GIA, and More

A diamond’s beauty may catch the eye, but its certification is what earns your trust. Behind every exquisite stone lies a story—one of provenance, precision, and enduring value. Whether natural or lab-grown, certified diamonds offer the assurance that what you see is exactly what you receive: brilliance with nothing to hide.

At True Brilliance, we believe clarity should go beyond the stone itself. That’s why every diamond we offer is independently certified by world-renowned gemological institutions. Here’s what that means—and why it matters.

What Is a Diamond Certificate?

A diamond certificate is a scientific record of your diamond’s identity. Issued by an expert third-party laboratory, it details the stone’s key characteristics—cut, colour, clarity, carat—and other nuances that define its beauty and value.

It is not an opinion. It is a statement of fact. And for the buyer, it is a promise: of authenticity, of quality, of integrity.

Why Certification Matters

A certified diamond carries more than brilliance, it carries truth. Here's why certification remains essential, whether you're purchasing a natural or lab-grown diamond:

Authenticity
Certification confirms the diamond’s origin, clearly identifying it as lab-grown or natural, and verifying that it is not a simulant or treated stone.

Quality Assurance
Every aspect of the diamond, from light performance to internal clarity, is meticulously examined. The result is a transparent and reliable measure of quality.

Global Consistency
Lab-grown and natural diamonds are assessed using the same internationally recognised grading standards, allowing for fair comparison and meaningful understanding of value.

Trust and Transparency
A certificate gives you more than facts; it gives you peace of mind. It documents the diamond’s journey with clarity, leaving no room for doubt.

Protection for the Future
Should you ever insure, resell, or pass the piece down, a certified diamond comes with a legacy that can be traced, valued, and preserved.

Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Certified Exactly Like Natural Diamonds

This is where the story of innovation meets tradition. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, and they are graded with the same rigour, precision, and respect.

The same scale.
The same criteria.
The same independent institutions.

From cut to clarity, carat to colour, the certification process does not differ. So when you choose a lab-grown diamond, you are not choosing a substitute, you are choosing a diamond in every sense of the word.

At True Brilliance, our diamonds are certified VS1 clarity or above, and we work only with trusted laboratories to ensure every stone meets the highest standards of excellence.

The World’s Most Respected Certification Labs

Several world-leading institutions are entrusted with grading the world’s most exceptional diamonds:

GIA – Gemological Institute of America
The benchmark of the industry. GIA created the 4Cs and remains the most widely recognised grading authority. It now certifies lab-grown diamonds using the same uncompromising standards as mined stones.

IGI – International Gemological Institute
A leader in lab-grown certification, IGI has helped shape the future of diamond grading, combining technical expertise with global reach.

AGS – American Gem Society
Renowned for its exacting standards in cut grading and light performance, ideal for those who want a diamond that doesn’t just shine, but dazzles.

HRD – Hoge Raad voor Diamant (Antwerp)
One of Europe’s most respected labs, known for scientific precision and international trust.

Each of these laboratories offers impartial, consistent assessments, ensuring that every certified diamond holds its rightful place in the world of fine jewellery.

How to Read a Certificate

Most grading reports include:

• Cut Grade – How well the diamond interacts with light

• Colour Grade – The scale from D (colourless) to Z

• Clarity Grade – Internal and surface characteristics

• Carat Weight – The diamond’s size and mass

• Polish & Symmetry – The finesse of craftsmanship

• Fluorescence – Any glow under ultraviolet light

• Measurements & Proportions – Details of shape and structure

• Report Number – A unique identifier, often laser-inscribed on the stone

These details form a complete, objective portrait of your diamond.

Final Thoughts

In today’s world, luxury means more than beauty. It means transparency. It means ethics. And it means knowing that what you choose reflects your values as well as your taste.

Certification bridges the gap between emotion and assurance. It allows you to fall in love with a diamond, not just for how it looks, but for everything it stands for.

At True Brilliance, every diamond we offer is certified to the highest standard, because we believe true luxury is built on clarity, craftsmanship, and complete trust.