Understanding Diamond Certification: IGI vs GIA vs SGL

• Founded: 1975, Antwerp (Belgium)
• Strengths: Fast turnaround, widely accepted, detailed reports
• Known for: Being the most trusted name in lab-grown diamond certification
• Report includes: 4Cs, cut diagram, proportions, fluorescence, growth method

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

GIA is the most well-known name in diamond grading. They invented the 4Cs grading system that the entire industry now uses.

• Founded: 1931, United States
• Strengths: Gold standard for natural diamonds, highly respected
• Known for: Creating the diamond grading system itself
• Report includes: 4Cs, clarity plot, proportions diagram

SGL (Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories)

SGL is India's leading diamond certification lab, widely trusted across the Indian jewellery industry.

• Founded: India
• Strengths: Deeply trusted in the Indian market, fast service, competitive pricing
• Known for: Being the go-to lab for Indian jewellers
• Report includes: 4Cs, measurements, fluorescence

How to Read a Diamond Certificate

Every certificate includes these key details:

• Carat Weight: The diamond's weight, measured to the hundredth of a carat
• Colour Grade: D (colourless) to Z (light yellow/brown) — for lab-grown diamonds, most are in the D-G range
• Clarity Grade: FL (flawless) to I3 (included) — describes internal characteristics
• Cut Grade: Excellent to Poor — how well the diamond's proportions interact with light

Which Certificate Does Maanorah Use?

At Maanorah, every diamond is certified by either IGI or SGL. We choose these labs because:

• IGI is the global gold standard for lab-grown diamond certification
• SGL provides trusted, locally recognised certification for the Indian market
• Both labs are independent — they have no financial interest in the diamond's sale

What to Look For

When evaluating a certified diamond:

• Verify the certificate number directly on the lab's website
• Check that the physical diamond matches the certificate's measurements
• Understand that slight differences between labs' grading are normal (within one grade)
• Focus on cut grade first — it has the biggest impact on beauty

The Bottom Line

A diamond without certification is a diamond without proof. At Maanorah, every stone comes with an independent certificate from IGI or SGL, so you know exactly what you are getting. No guesswork, no ambiguity — just transparent, certified quality.