Know the difference – EGL vs GIA diamonds
Posted by Hari Krishna
November 28, 2022
Generally when you buy a diamond, you assess the 4Cs- color, cut, clarity and carat. But there is another C of buying a diamond which you could be missing- “Certification”.
Even though all diamonds look the same, not all diamonds are actually certified. Your diamond could be either one of these:
Bear in mind that the other two are not necessarily bad options. It’s just that you get a proof of authenticity if you choose a certified diamond.
This blog explains all about that and compares the differences between GIA and EGL certificates for a diamond.
A diamond certificate is a formal document issued by reputed gemological labs which contains information about the diamond including the 4C details, inclusions, origin and more.
This report is made after the diamond goes through a grading and testing process by labs like GIA, EGL,IGI, HRD, GSI, GSL, NGTC
This matters a lot because the value and price of a diamond is directly attached to its quality and every buyer must be aware of what they are getting. Relying only on the retailer’s word is not a safe bet in this case.
Purchasing a diamond that is certified and has been graded by a third-party lab might be a bit more expensive but totally worth it.
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1931 that focuses on research and education about gemstones and gemstone jewelry and is the leading authority in diamond grading.
GIA reports are highly recognized for their strict grading and proven consistency. The most popular accomplishments of GIA so far are the grading of Hope diamond in 1988 and the establishment of the 4Cs grading system for diamonds in 2007.
On the other hand, European Gemological Laboratories (EGL) was established in 1977 and it is a diamond grading laboratory which is well-known for introducing the SI3 rating in measuring the diamond clarity and pioneering the diamond grading techniques for stones with a less than one-carat weight.
The results for the same diamond can differ in reports from different labs because there are many variables around it.
Since no two labs have the exact same technology, process and expertise, the results vary in the reports issued. So the question is, which one is the most reliable and how do the GIA and EGL diamond certificates compare.
Let’s evaluate this based on the top 3 parameters.
GIA reports are more accurate and reliable than EGL reports because the process of evaluating a diamond at GIA is quite rigorous.
A minimum of 4 gem experts assess the diamond and only after a sufficient consensus is reached, the results are documented. On top of that, the technology used at GIA is arguably the most high-end of all.
Whereas with EGL, you can never really be sure of the accuracy especially in comparison to GIA. Their results are inconsistent and they are known to be more lenient in their testing and this is not an ideal situation for a buyer.
EGL is the winner here because it is cheaper to get a diamond graded by EGL in comparison to GIA. The price difference is significant and it reflects on the final price of the diamond as well.
As a buyer you will get EGL diamonds at a much lesser price than a GIA graded diamond and this has been one of the main reasons behind its popularity.
GIA has strict guidelines that every diamond manufacturer needs to follow if they are looking to get their diamonds certified. So in comparison, getting a diamond graded by GIA is more time consuming, costly and process-driven.
EGL is more convenient because it is lenient in the evaluation. They also created the SI3 clarity grade that enabled manufacturers to upsell their lower quality diamonds for a better price.
The consensus in the gems and jewelry industry is that GIA is the most dependable authority for diamond grading and nothing compares to the accuracy and authenticity of a GIA diamond.
The best diamond manufacturers in India and globally, sell GIA diamonds because they understand the value of selling high quality, verified diamonds to their consumers.
Even for buyers the best option is to go for GIA diamonds but in case your budget does not allow you to do it, you can go for reputed brands that have a self-certification you can trust.
Hari Krishna Exports is among the top 10 diamond companies of India and largest exporters of GIA certified loose diamonds, ranging from 0.18 cent to 50+ carats-sized diamonds in more than 9 shapes, including brilliant-round cut, FL to I3 clarity, and D to M Color across the 80+ countries of the world, including the USA, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Israel, the UK, Canada, etc.
Each Diamond we sell comes with an In-house Faith grading certificate along with the third-party certification from GIA, IGI, HRD, GSI, GSL, NGTC upon request.
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