IGI DIAMOND REPORT GUIDE
HOW TO READ AN IGI CERTIFICATE
An IGI certificate is an independent assessment of a diamond's quality and characteristics.
While every certified diamond is unique, understanding a few key sections of the report can help you evaluate a diamond with greater confidence.
At Venoré, every certified diamond is accompanied by official IGI documentation, providing transparency, authenticity, and a detailed overview of the characteristics that make each diamond unique.
REPORT OVERVIEW
THE SECTIONS OF AN IGI REPORT
Every IGI report is divided into sections that evaluate a diamond's identity, quality, proportions, and overall performance.
Together, these measurements create a complete picture of the diamond and allow buyers to compare stones using internationally recognized grading standards.
• Report Number
• Diamond Description
• Shape & Measurements
• Carat Weight
• Color Grade
• Clarity Grade
• Cut Grade
• Polish, Symmetry & Fluorescence
• Proportions Diagram
• Clarity Characteristics Plot
• Laser Inscription
IDENTIFICATION
REPORT NUMBER
Every IGI certificate contains a unique report number assigned specifically to the diamond being graded.
This number acts as the diamond's permanent identification reference and allows the certificate to be matched directly to the diamond for verification purposes.
The diamonds also carry this number as a microscopic laser inscription on the girdle.
DIAMOND DETAILS
DIAMOND DESCRIPTION
This section confirms the type of diamond being graded.
For laboratory-grown diamonds, the report identifies the diamond as laboratory-created and may specify the growth method used, such as CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition).
This information provides additional transparency regarding the diamond's origin.
MEASUREMENTS
SHAPE & MEASUREMENTS
This section records the diamond's shape and exact dimensions.
The measurements help determine the diamond's proportions, overall appearance, and visual presence.
Shape and proportions play an important role in how a diamond appears when viewed from above.
THE 4CS
CARAT WEIGHT
Carat measures a diamond's weight.
Although carat size contributes to a diamond's overall presence, visible size is also influenced by cut quality, shape, and
proportions.
A well-cut diamond can often appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond of equal weight.
THE 4CS
COLOR GRADE
Color measures the absence of color within a white diamond.
Diamonds graded closer to D are considered more rare due to their exceptional colorlessness, while lower grades display increasing amounts of warm color.
For many buyers, diamonds within the colorless and near-colorless ranges offer the most desirable balance between beauty and value.
DIAMOND COLOR SCALE
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| D–F | Colorless |
| G–J | Near Colorless |
| K–M | Faint Color |
| N–R | Very Light Color |
| S–Z | Light Color |
THE 4CS
CLARITY GRADE
Clarity evaluates internal and external characteristics formed during
a diamond's growth process.
Most inclusions are microscopic and cannot be seen without magnification.
Higher clarity grades indicate fewer characteristics, though many inclusions remain invisible during everyday wear.
DIAMOND CLARITY SCALE
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| FL – IF | Flawless / Internally Flawless |
| VVS1 – VVS2 | Very Very Slightly Included |
| VS1 – VS2 | Very Slightly Included |
| SI1 – SI2 | Slightly Included |
| I1 – I3 | Included |
THE MOST IMPORTANT OF THE 4CS
CUT GRADE
Cut is widely considered the most important factor affecting a diamond's beauty.
A diamond's cut determines how effectively light enters, reflects, and exits the stone.
Exceptional cut quality creates greater brilliance, fire, and sparkle, allowing a diamond to appear brighter and more lively.
CUT GRADE SCALE
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent | Optimal brilliance and fire |
| Very Good | High brilliance with slight differences |
| Good | Noticeable variations in brilliance |
| Fair | Limited sparkle |
| Poor | Reduced brilliance |
ADDITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
POLISH, SYMMETRY & FLUORESCENCE
Beyond the 4Cs, IGI evaluates additional characteristics that contribute to a diamond's overall appearance and craftsmanship.
Polish measures surface finish.
Symmetry evaluates facet alignment.
Fluorescence describes how a diamond reacts under ultraviolet light.
Together, these characteristics help provide a complete assessment of quality.
ADVANCED ANALYSIS
PROPORTIONS DIAGRAM
The proportions diagram illustrates a diamond's measurements, angles, and percentages.
These proportions influence brilliance, fire, and light return, helping determine a diamond's overall visual performance.
Even diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different due to variations in their proportions.
CLARITY CHARACTERISTICS PLOT
DIAMOND FINGERPRINT
The clarity plot maps the location of internal and external characteristics identified during grading.
Every plot is unique to the individual diamond and acts as a fingerprint
for the stone.
This allows gemologists and owners to identify the diamond with confidence.
AUTHENTICITY
LASER INSCRIPTION
Certified diamonds feature a microscopic laser inscription on the girdle.
This inscription typically contains the report number and allows the diamond to be matched directly to its certificate.
Because the inscription is microscopic, it does not affect the diamond's appearance.
FULL REPORT VS CERTIFICATE CARD
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
IGI offers both a detailed grading report and a simplified certificate card.
While both verify a diamond's authenticity and quality, the amount of information
provided differs significantly.
Understanding these differences helps buyers choose the level of documentation
that best suits their needs.
COMPLETE ANALYSIS
FULL IGI DIAMOND REPORT
A comprehensive grading document containing detailed measurements, diagrams, grading information, and advanced analysis. Ideal for buyers seeking the highest level of transparency and information.
QUICK REFERENCE
IGI CERTIFICATE CARD
A simplified summary containing the most important grading characteristics of the diamond.
Designed for quick reference while maintaining independent verification.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHY WE PREFER FULL IGI REPORTS
A diamond's beauty is determined by more than carat weight, color, and clarity alone.
By understanding the information contained within an IGI report, buyers gain deeper insight into a diamond's quality, craftsmanship, and unique characteristics.
Detailed IGI documentation provides complete transparency and
helps ensure confident purchasing decisions.
