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.
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Weekly QuizMar 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
CollectionsMar 11, 2026
Pyrrha Highlights ‘The Space Between’ In New CollectionThe collection takes inspiration from the emotional space between people, moments, and experiences.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
From the Jazz Age to the Information Age: London Jewelers Turns 100In 2026, the jewelry retailer is celebrating a milestone only a small percentage of family-owned businesses survive to see.
IndependentsMar 11, 2026
Virginia Jewelers Raise Nearly $30K for Children’s HospitalThe group of jewelers held a jewelry raffle in support of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.
FinancialsMar 10, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q4 Sales Fall Flat The jewelry giant released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year on Monday, with final results slated to come next week.
MajorsMar 10, 2026
Saks Global to Close 15 More StoresThe retailer also gave an update on its vendor partnerships.
TrendsMar 10, 2026
Messika Names Julianne Moore as AmbassadorThe award-winning actress is the “epitome of modern allure,” the brand said.
CollectionsMar 10, 2026
Gemstones ‘Bloom’ in Sorellina’s New CollectionThe “Bloom” collection draws from the flower power movement of the 1960s and ‘70s with inlay pendants offered in eight colorways.
Events & AwardsMar 10, 2026
Diamond-Studded Painting Shines at RJO Foundation AuctionThe unique piece was one of the custom works offered at the foundation's recent silent art auction, which garnered nearly $15,000 in total.
TrendsMar 09, 2026
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Bulgari’s Latest AmbassadorBulgari named Gyllenhaal as its brand ambassador for his embodiment of artistic depth, intellectual curiosity, and warmth.
Events & AwardsMar 09, 2026
TJS Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnersAwards were given to four students, one apprentice, and an emerging jeweler.
AuctionsMar 09, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Lead White-Glove SaleThe top jewelry lot of the late model’s estate sale, hosted by John Moran Auctioneers, was an Oscar Heyman & Brothers for Cartier necklace.
Lab-GrownMar 06, 2026
Charles & Colvard Files for Bankruptcy, Citing Price PressuresIncreased competition, falling lab-grown diamond and moissanite prices, and the rising cost of gold took a toll on the moissanite maker.
CollectionsMar 06, 2026
Zome’s ‘Solara’ Earrings Embody Celestial BeautyThe earrings, our Piece of the Week, feature pink tourmalines as planets orbiting around an aquamarine center set in 18-karat rose gold.
MajorsMar 06, 2026
Pomellato’s 2026 IWD Campaign Spotlights Economic Abuse“The Price of Freedom” campaign video for International Women’s Day confronts the quiet violence of financial control.
Policies & IssuesMar 05, 2026
Tariffs to Increase to 15% This Week, Treasury Secretary Says Also, a federal judge has ordered that companies that paid tariffs implemented under the IEEPA are entitled to refunds.
CollectionsMar 05, 2026
Common Era Honors ‘Difficult Women’ in CollectionThe ever-growing collection, which just expanded with the addition of Olga of Kyiv, features cameos of 12 women from history.
TrendsMar 05, 2026
Engagement Ring Trends 2026: What’s In, and WhyWe asked a jewelry historian, designer, bridal director, and wedding expert what’s trending in engagement rings. Here’s what they said.
Events & AwardsMar 05, 2026
AGS Announces Conclave 2026 Speaker LineupThe annual event will be held in Orlando, Florida, from Sept. 14-17.
