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Certification

The standards behind every certificate.

Diamonds aren't required by law to be certified — but every diamond we sell is, by one of two independent, internationally recognized grading laboratories: GIA or IGI. Here's what each one actually is.

01

GIA

Gemological Institute of America

Founded in 1931 by Robert M. Shipley in Los Angeles, GIA is a nonprofit institute widely regarded as the most authoritative name in diamond grading. In 1953, GIA created the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System — the framework the entire industry, including other labs, still builds on today.

GIA operates independently of the diamond trade itself, which is part of why its reports are so widely trusted across the industry.

Visit gia.edu
  • Founded1931, Los Angeles
  • StructureNonprofit, independent institute
  • HeadquartersCarlsbad, California
  • Known forCreating the 4Cs grading standard
02

IGI

International Gemological Institute

Founded in Antwerp in 1975, IGI is the world's largest independent gemological laboratory by volume of reports issued, with laboratories across more than a dozen countries. It was the first lab to achieve ISO accreditation for grading both natural and lab-grown diamonds.

IGI also has one of the deepest footprints in India's diamond-cutting hubs — including labs in Mumbai and Surat — putting grading close to where a meaningful share of the world's diamonds are actually cut and polished.

Visit igi.org
  • Founded1975, Antwerp
  • StructureIndependent gemological laboratory
  • Global reachLabs across 10+ countries, incl. India
  • Known forLargest lab by report volume; leading natural & lab-grown accreditation
One shared language

Both labs grade on the same 4Cs framework.

Cut, color, clarity, and carat weight — the same core standard GIA established in 1953 is what IGI, and the rest of the industry, still grades against today. The letter or number on your certificate means the same thing no matter which of the two issued it.

Read the full 4Cs breakdown →
Ready to see it for yourself

Every Carat Compass diamond ships with a GIA or IGI certificate.

Independently graded, sourced directly, and priced without a showroom markup.

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