IGI was the first lab to develop jewelry identification reports and is the
leader in this field today.
Most of the world's diamonds and gemstones are already set into jewelry. IGI's expertise
in the analysis and documentation of finished jewelry items is unrivaled anywhere.
This work is more complex than the analysis of loose stones.
Without disassembling heirlooms or complex pieces, IGI has developed techniques
for providing expert and impartial analysis of a jewelry item's precious stones,
total carat weight, color, clarity, natural origin, and details of mounting. Clear
documentation and photographs are issued for every item. These standardized photos
are extremely useful for consumers, showing details of craftsmanship that may not
be visible otherwise.
"As mounting permits" is an important distinction used on IGI Jewelry Identification
Reports. This means that the presence of metal parts surrounding the gemstone(s)
allowed IGI graders to provide detailed information but perhaps not as accurately
as in an un-mounted situation. In these cases the words "approximate" and "range"
are clearly used in descriptors. Ultimately some pieces may require un-mounting
if the style or makeup prevents our gemologists from performing the scientific tests
necessary for meaningful assessment.
Complete understanding of consumer concerns has motivated IGI to develop internal
rules and procedures for providing information about any item which can possibly
be analyzed according to the laws of our fields of specialty. This empowers jewelry
buyers to focus on finding precisely what they want, with full assurance in the
integrity and quality of the IGI certification.
Gemstones should only change hands when accompanied by a certificate attesting to
quality. Regardless of location or marketplace, an authentic IGI Laboratory Report
is the common language of trust and confidence in the gemological world.
