Learn About Gemological Institutes - Sell Diamonds

There are at least six respected institutes around the world that grade diamonds. These grading reports not only verify that your diamond is authentic, but it gives the gem a grade based on an internationally recognized system. Many of the gemological institutes also provide educational and research programs. 

The Gemological Institute of American (GIA) was founded in 1931 in California. The non-profit institute created the 4C’s methodology of grading diamonds. GIA was founded by Robert M. Shipley. Shipley also founded, several years later, the American Gem Society (AGS), a trade organization. Members include retail jewelers, independent appraisers, suppliers and select industry members.

Europe’s answer to the GIA is the Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD). The name means the Diamond High Council. A certificate from the HRD is recognized by the European Union.

Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium the International Gemological Institute (IGI) was established in 1975. With offices around the globe, it is the world’s largest gemological laboratory.

Within Europe, the Antwerpse Gemologische Instelling (AGI) is considered a competitor with GIA and HRD. In addition to labs in Belgium and the United Kingdom, AGI has a lab in Thailand.

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