A Visit to the Diamond Grading Lab- IGI- International Grading Institute, in Antwerp

As a part of the United States delegation, I was able to go on a tour of IGI- the largest diamond grading lab in the world.  They have over 18 offices around the world.  People from all countries send their diamonds to IGI for certification.  An IGI Diamond Report/Certification for each diamond is issued after all grading tests have been performed.

Each diamond can be laser inscribed along the "girdle" of the diamond.  This is a very small band between the top and bottom of the diamond.  This is traditionally a distinct number which is included on the diamond's report. It is a way to insure that you always have "your" diamond.  (it can also include a message... ie: "I love you!")  This person's responsibility is to inscribe diamonds all day!

This was our tour guide.  Here he is showing an example of an IGI Diamond Certification

Here is one of the diamond graders at work.  I was able to look in the microscope at the diamond she was grading.  She said "This is not a very nice diamond!"  I looked in and could see lots of inclusions, carbon, etc.  All of these flaws are noted on the report.

This guy is noting the "Hearts and Arrows" patterns on the diamond.  These are found mostly on round diamonds with a superior cut quality. 

Each diamond and gemstones remains in the computer with an image and a number.

Each step in noted on the diamond grading card.

Another grader.  

This is the card that follows each diamond through the grading process

Here, a picture is taken of the diamond that is included on the certificate.

This woman is one of the first stops the diamond makes... she checks to see if it is synthetic, or if it has been treated ... HPHT (High Pressure-High Temperature)

The final process involves sealing the diamond.  The diamond and the report are then packaged up and are sent back to their owners.

A Trip to the World Diamond Fair in Antwerp, Belgium!

As a jewelry designer starting to work with diamonds, being awarded one of six fully sponsored trips to the World Diamond Fair in Antwerp, Belgium was a dream come true!  So many diamonds everywhere... with over 85 vendors from all over the world showing their best and biggest!  I had an opportunity to meet so many people and make so many valuable contacts.  Everyone was so willing to share information and I soaked it all up like a sponge.   I look forward to returning to this beautiful city!  Thank you Howard Pomerantz for extending me this amazing invitation. I am forever grateful.

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  Antwerp Diamond District- Red Tent Entrance to Fair.  Very unassuming...but video security cameras were everywhere!  $350 million dollars worth of diamonds are traded here every day!

There were amazing diamonds everywhere.  Everyone was showing their biggest and best!  The diamond in the lower right in this picture is 28.24 carats!  I think the largest white diamond I saw was 52 carats.

Yellow Diamonds!  Colored diamonds are becoming very popular, and their prices are increasing everyday!  

Chanpagne Diamond "Melees".  These are one of the items I was shopping for, as I use these size diamonds in the pave diamond pieces I design.

All Sizes... Shapes!  If it is diamonds you want...whatever you need, whatever you are looking for...you can find here!