GradingFeb 08, 2024
GIA Helps Recover Stolen DiamondsGradingMar 26, 2024
IGI Announces Tech for ID’ing Lab-Grown Colored Diamonds
The lab stresses the importance of accurate identification, as the difference in price is “substantial.”
The International Gemological Institute has a new screening method for telling lab-grown fancy- colored diamonds from natural ones.
New York—The International Gemological Institute has announced a new technology for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds.
Screening devices for colorless natural and lab-grown diamonds, like the lab’s “IGI D-check,” commonly are based on photo luminescence. The machine captures the signature fluorescence and phosphorescence exhibited by a diamond under ultraviolet light of a shorter wavelength to determine the source of creation.
This type of screening is not suitable for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, as these stones are often treated with irradiation, heat, pressure, or a combination of all three, which alters the fluorescence and phosphorescence.
After extensive study, IGI established a common set of procedures for each color category.
The new type of screening can distinguish between natural and lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, and it uses advanced techniques like fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, along with magnification.
“IGI uses the latest technology to ensure that each diamond is graded accurately and identified correctly as natural, or lab grown,” IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer said.
“With lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds gaining momentum and the differential pricing being substantial, it’s imperative that the screening is done by a reputed laboratory like IGI.”
IGI can identify lab-grown and natural fancy-colored diamonds loose, in parcels, or mounted in jewelry.
Printer added, “We had a few cases in recent times where there has been a contamination of natural fancy-colored pink diamonds mixed with lab-grown pink diamonds. We strive to ensure that consumers have the right to accurate and authentic information about the diamonds they are purchasing.”
The lab said it has continuously evolved and shared its testing methods and techniques on a global level to ensure every diamond is accurately tested.
Related stories will be right here …
Screening devices for colorless natural and lab-grown diamonds, like the lab’s “IGI D-check,” commonly are based on photo luminescence. The machine captures the signature fluorescence and phosphorescence exhibited by a diamond under ultraviolet light of a shorter wavelength to determine the source of creation.
This type of screening is not suitable for identifying lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, as these stones are often treated with irradiation, heat, pressure, or a combination of all three, which alters the fluorescence and phosphorescence.
After extensive study, IGI established a common set of procedures for each color category.
The new type of screening can distinguish between natural and lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds, and it uses advanced techniques like fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy, along with magnification.
“IGI uses the latest technology to ensure that each diamond is graded accurately and identified correctly as natural, or lab grown,” IGI CEO Tehmasp Printer said.
“With lab-grown fancy-colored diamonds gaining momentum and the differential pricing being substantial, it’s imperative that the screening is done by a reputed laboratory like IGI.”
IGI can identify lab-grown and natural fancy-colored diamonds loose, in parcels, or mounted in jewelry.
Printer added, “We had a few cases in recent times where there has been a contamination of natural fancy-colored pink diamonds mixed with lab-grown pink diamonds. We strive to ensure that consumers have the right to accurate and authentic information about the diamonds they are purchasing.”
The lab said it has continuously evolved and shared its testing methods and techniques on a global level to ensure every diamond is accurately tested.
IGI said it foresaw the increase in demand for lab-grown diamonds in 2008 and was the first global laboratory to include certification for lab-grown diamonds.
“IGI has developed the ‘D-check’ in the interest of transparency and peace of mind for the industry and consumers alike,” said Printer.
“Our commitment to accuracy and transparency in the certification process is reflected in strict adherence and regular calibration of our international standards and testing methods across our worldwide locations. In addition to lab-grown certification services, IGI also provides comprehensive certification for loose diamonds, jewelry, and colored stones.”
To learn more about IGI and its other offerings, visit the lab’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Weekly QuizFeb 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
IndependentsFeb 05, 2026
Borsheims to Undergo Massive Renovation in the Spring The Omaha jewelry store’s multi-million-dollar renovation is scheduled to begin in mid-May and take about six months.
CollectionsFeb 05, 2026
Marco Bicego’s Amethyst Collection Travels to a Purple ParadiseThe “Paradise Amethyst” collection focuses on amethyst, pink tourmaline, garnet, and 18-karat yellow gold beads.
FinancialsFeb 05, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Reports Strong Holiday Results in Q3The retailer credited its Roberto Coin campaign, in part, for boosting its North America sales.
ColumnistsFeb 04, 2026
January Jewelry Sales: More Dollars Spent, Fewer Units Sold Sherry Smith unpacks independent retailers’ January performance and gives tips for navigating the slow-growth year ahead.
MajorsFeb 04, 2026
What Designers Should Know About Saks Global’s BankruptcyFrom how to get an invoice paid to getting merchandise returned, JVC’s Sara Yood answers some complex questions.
TrendsFeb 04, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: February Birthstone BlissAmethyst, the birthstone for February, is a gemstone to watch this year with its rich purple hue and affordable price point.
