Shanghai IGI vs. India IGI: Is There a Difference in Certification?
For consumers preparing to purchase diamonds, a grading certificate is a vital assurance of quality. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is one of the most globally recognized independent appraisal organizations, and its certificates hold credibility in both international wholesale and retail markets.
IGI currently operates laboratories in numerous countries and regions, with the labs in India (Mumbai, Surat) and Shanghai, China being the most frequently encountered in the Asian market. Many buyers ask: If both are IGI, is there any difference between certificates issued in Shanghai and India? Let's break down the details below.
1. Grading Standards Are Completely Uniform
1.1 Unified 4C Standards
IGI Headquarters sets globally consistent appraisal procedures. All divisions must adhere to the same stringent 4C standards—Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut—when conducting their assessments.
1.2 Equipment and Process
Whether the diamond is tested in the India or Shanghai branch, the detection equipment, gemological methodologies, optical instruments, and security features used for fraud prevention remain consistent and standardized.
1.3 Certificate Format
While the layout and formatting of certificates issued in different locations might have minor variations (such as font or QR code placement), the core content structure, grading data, and security markers are identical.
Key Point: A single diamond submitted to both locations for testing should, in theory, yield consistent grading results.
2. Roles of the Two Laboratories and Market Habits
India IGI
India is the world's largest hub for rough diamond cutting and trading. Over 90% of rough stones undergo cutting and initial transactions in India, meaning most diamonds exported globally are first certified by IGI India. This long-standing practice has made the "India IGI Certificate" a widely accepted standard in the international wholesale trade.
Shanghai IGI
The Shanghai lab was established more recently. It primarily serves clients in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and surrounding Asian markets. For buyers who need to handle China Customs declaration procedures, or who may consider reselling the diamond later in the Greater China market (including Hong Kong, Macau, and the Mainland), a Shanghai IGI certificate may offer greater convenience in terms of documentation and circulation.
This difference is purely a matter of market habit and geographical convenience, not an indication of higher or lower grading standards.
3. Impact on Price and Resale Value
Valuation is Still Based on the 4Cs
Regardless of the certificate's origin, the resale market, pawn shops, and international jewelry trading platforms base their valuation primarily on the diamond's actual quality and the 4C grading listed on the report.
Certificate Location is Not a Primary Factor
As long as the IGI certificate is officially certified, whether it is issued by the India or Shanghai lab will not affect the diamond's market value. The true determinants of price are the carat weight, color, clarity, and cut—not the location of the issuing lab.
4. Practical Advice for Purchasers
Verify the QR Code
Regardless of which branch issued the certificate, always verify the document's authenticity by entering the certificate number or scanning the QR code on the official IGI website.
Partner with Professional Retailers
Choose reputable jewelers or brands to ensure the diamond's source is reliable and that the original official IGI certificate is provided.
Focus on 4Cs and Personal Needs
Rather than overthinking the certificate location, you should focus on balancing the 4C grades based on your budget and preferences to select the most suitable diamond.
Conclusion
In summary, there is no difference in the professional standards or authority between the Shanghai IGI and India IGI laboratories. Buyers should concentrate on the diamond's inherent quality, design, and personal needs, rather than the certificate's place of issue. As long as the certificate is officially recognized by IGI, it is equally trustworthy regardless of its geographic origin.
