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
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
MajorsNov 04, 2025
Danny Clark to Become Stuller CEO, Succeeding Matt StullerStuller COO Belit Myers will take on the additional role of president, with all changes effective at the start of 2026.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
MajorsNov 03, 2025
Matthew Rosenheim Takes Over as JA Board ChairThe trade organization also announced its executive committee and five new directors.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
