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.