Why Diamond Grading Isn’t the Same Everywhere (And Why SuperJeweler Is the Place to Buy)
Buying a diamond can feel like stepping into a maze. One of the most confusing aspects? Diamond grading. Even though grading should be straightforward, the reality is that not all diamond grading labs are the same. It’s common to hear about labs grading differently and even about diamonds getting different grades at different places. So, who do you trust? And how do you know you’re getting a good deal? Lucky for you, SuperJeweler.com is here to shed some light on the diamond grading world—and to offer the best prices you’ll find anywhere.
What Is Diamond Grading, Anyway?
Before diving into the quirks of different grading labs, let’s go over the basics. Diamond grading involves assessing the Four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. These qualities help determine the overall value of a diamond. But here’s the catch—different labs may interpret these qualities differently. Yes, it’s true! A diamond graded as a G color at one lab could be an H at another.
Who Are the Big Players in Diamond Grading?
There are a few major players in the diamond grading game, including:
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA): Often considered the gold standard in diamond grading. The GIA is known for its stricter grading, which means you can usually trust that their grading reports are accurate and reliable.
- International Gemological Institute (IGI): The IGI is a popular choice for grading lab-grown diamonds. While some say the IGI can be a little more lenient compared to the GIA, others appreciate its consistent grading of lab-grown stones, which makes it a go-to for buyers looking for affordable luxury.
- European Gemological Laboratory (EGL): The EGL is known for having more relaxed grading standards. Some buyers appreciate the lower prices that can come with EGL-graded stones, but it’s important to keep in mind that an EGL diamond might not match up in quality to a GIA diamond with the same grades.
The difference in grading between labs can lead to a lot of confusion among buyers. For example, a diamond graded VS2 by the IGI could be downgraded to SI1 by the GIA, which means it has slightly more visible inclusions.
SuperJeweler’s Take on Diamond Grading
At SuperJeweler.com, we know that the variability in grading standards can be frustrating for buyers, so we focus on transparency and value. We provide detailed grading information for every diamond we sell, including both natural and lab-grown diamonds, and we make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
But we don’t just rely on external labs. SuperJeweler’s in-house gemologists independently review and grade each diamond to ensure that every stone meets our high standards. This internal grading process acts as a second layer of quality control, helping us verify that the diamonds we sell match the grades given by the certification labs.
“Our internal grading process ensures that our customers are getting diamonds that live up to their grades. We double-check the certification to ensure that every diamond is exactly as advertised,” says Scott Berkebile, Vice President and Graduate Gemologist (GG) from the GIA.
You can explore our wide range of lab-grown diamond engagement rings here, where you’ll find comprehensive details on each piece, verified by both external and internal experts.
Why Do Labs Grade Differently?
It might sound funny, but imagine a classroom of teachers grading the same essay. One might give an A, while another gives a B. Diamond grading labs are a bit like that. They all use similar criteria, but they might weigh some aspects more heavily than others. For instance:
- GIA might be stricter when assessing color, especially when comparing two near-colorless diamonds.
- IGI, on the other hand, might prioritize certain aspects of cut for lab-grown diamonds, giving them a slight edge over similarly graded natural stones.
Some industry insiders joke that certain labs have “happy eyes,” meaning they’re more likely to give diamonds a higher grade than others. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, it’s true that some labs might give more generous grades, which is why it’s important to understand what you’re looking at when comparing reports.
The Real Cost of a Grade Difference
So, what’s the big deal if one lab grades a diamond slightly higher than another? It comes down to price. A diamond graded G color at the GIA might sell for more than a G color at the IGI. That’s because GIA diamonds carry a reputation for being graded more strictly, which means some buyers see them as a safer bet. However, that GIA premium can add thousands of dollars to the price tag of an engagement ring.
At SuperJeweler, we offer the best prices online, saving our customers up to 70% compared to other retailers. Why pay extra for a name when you can get the same quality at a better price? You can explore our affordable selection of GIA- and IGI-graded diamonds at SuperJeweler.com.
SuperJeweler Saves You Big
SuperJeweler’s approach is simple: Quality, transparency, and savings. We offer high-quality diamonds graded by trusted labs, but at a fraction of the cost. Our in-house experts independently review every diamond before it’s listed for sale, ensuring that you’re getting a diamond that truly meets its graded qualities. While other jewelers may use fancy showrooms and elaborate marketing to justify higher prices, we cut out the unnecessary frills to focus on what matters most—delivering exceptional value to our customers.
“We guarantee that our prices are lower than what you’ll find at retail stores or other online sellers,” says Andrew Fox, President of SuperJeweler. “It’s not uncommon for our customers to save up to 70% compared to what they’d pay elsewhere.”
For example, a 1-carat lab-grown diamond with a VS1 clarity and D color might cost $3,500 at a typical retail store. At SuperJeweler, you can find a similar diamond for under $1,500. And with our lifetime warranty and 60-day return policy, you can shop with peace of mind.
How to Compare Diamonds Effectively
When you’re comparing diamonds, focus on what’s most important to you—whether that’s getting a higher carat weight for your budget or prioritizing clarity and color. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Compare Certification: Check which lab graded the diamond and look for GIA or IGI-certified stones if you want the most reputable reports. You can view our collection of GIA-certified diamonds here.
- Read the Fine Print: Some retailers hide information about who graded their diamonds, or they might list only select details from the grading report. SuperJeweler includes full certification information with every purchase so that you can verify what you’re buying.
- Focus on Value, Not Just Grade: While a GIA-certified diamond may seem like the obvious choice, an IGI diamond with similar grades can offer just as much beauty—at a better price. Take a look at our selection of lab-grown diamonds and see how much you can save.
The SuperJeweler Advantage
In a market full of options, SuperJeweler.com makes it easy to find a diamond that fits your style and your budget. Our commitment to transparency and our focus on quality mean that you can buy with confidence, knowing that you’re getting a diamond that’s been honestly graded and fairly priced. Plus, with up to 70% savings compared to other retailers, your dream ring is closer than you think.
“Choosing a diamond should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one,” says Scott Berkebile. “At SuperJeweler, we take the guesswork out of diamond buying, so our customers can focus on what really matters—their love story.”
