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The Daily Insight

What does GIA certified mean?

Author

Ava Robinson

Published Mar 28, 2026

the Gemological Institute of America
If you’ve ever been in the market for diamond jewelry, you’ve probably heard the term “GIA certified.” But do you know what it means? GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. Many people, however, use the term “GIA certified diamond” when they are referring to a diamond that has been evaluated by the GIA.

How can I tell if my GIA is real?

Simply go to GIA Report Check and input the Report Number from the certificate to check for it’s authenticity. After a CAPTCHA, it will send you to a certificate with very specific details along with grading. If you need more information on GIA grading, visit our GIA Education Page.

Is GIA certified important?

GIA is internationally known, and the most widely-accepted grading laboratory in the world. This is important because it is very easy for jewelers to understand where a diamond ranks in terms of cost and demand if it is GIA certified.

Does GIA certify fake diamonds?

Yes. GIA has been grading laboratory-grown diamonds since 2007. Beginning July 1, 2019, GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Reports and identification reports no longer use the term “synthetic.” The GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report includes the standard GIA color, clarity and cut grading scales for reference purposes.

Is GIA certification the best?

The best diamond certifications are the GIA and AGS because they’re the most consistent lab grading entities. That’s why we only recommend buying diamonds with GIA and AGS certificates. The top two diamond certifications are: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

Is IGI as good as GIA?

While IGI is a reliable lab, it is still not as strong as GIA. It is also important to note that IGI is not as inconsistent in low grade diamonds as they are in high grade diamonds. Our top advice always would be to go for a GIA graded diamond. James Allen is one of the best online retailer for buying loose diamonds.

Which is better GIA or IGI?

GIA is often held up as the gold standard of diamond grading while other labs are purported to have looser grading standards. For two diamonds of the same carat, color, and clarity grade, an IGI certified diamond is on average 12% cheaper than a GIA certified diamond.

Are lab made diamonds worth anything?

Many traditional jewelers tell customers that lab created diamonds have absolutely no value, but this could not be further from the truth. Most earth mined diamonds have resale value, and most lab created diamonds will have a similar resale value as well.

Can you trust IGI?

IGI bills itself as a top-of-the-line laboratory, but in our opinion sadly that is not the case. Only purchase from reputable vendors that sell diamonds certified by these labs (such as Blue Nile & Brian Gavin Diamonds. James Allen does sell IGI certified diamonds as well, but we never recommend those.)

Can real diamonds cost 100?

Diamond prices can vary wildly depending on the characteristics of the stones. Some diamonds can cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas others can be sold for several hundred dollars.

Are lab diamonds tacky?

Lie #2: Lab Created Diamonds are Tacky You have to make them feel that the other product just isn’t cool—in fact, it’s ‘tacky’. There’s absolutely nothing tacky about saving 50% on a major purchase and ending up with a beautiful product that can’t be distinguished from the much more expensive version.

Which is better IGI or GIA?

IGI Grading and Prices. GIA is often held up as the gold standard of diamond grading while other labs are purported to have looser grading standards. For two diamonds of the same carat, color, and clarity grade, an IGI certified diamond is on average 12% cheaper than a GIA certified diamond.

Is IGI as reputable as GIA?

The terms “GIA certified” is commonly used in the jewelry industry to refer to diamonds that have undergone GIA’s rigorous grading process and to the reports that accompany them. GIA itself does not use the word “certificate” to describe the document it issues.

Does GIA certify?

GIA doesn’t certify diamonds, it grades them and anyone can submit a diamond to GIA for grading. Many diamonds in stores and online will already have a GIA grading report, which you can ask to see prior to purchasing. Your diamond’s report should also be given to you once you complete your purchase.

How do I get GIA certified?

You can send your diamond to GIA for grading and analysis. Many consumers send the diamond through a retailer for packaging, shipping and insuring the item. A jeweler will have to remove your diamond from its setting, since GIA Diamond Grading Reports are only issued for unmounted stones.

What does GIA mean?

GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. This is because GIA does not “certify” or appraise any diamonds, it grades them.

Is GIA the best certification?

The best diamond certifications are the GIA and AGS because they’re the most consistent lab grading entities. That means you can trust their grading in all aspects like Color, Clarity and Cut quality. The top two diamond certifications are: GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

What gemstones does GIA certify?

About GIA Certified Gemstone Jewelry The GIA certification confirms the authenticity and quality of a gem. At Angara, we offer you an array of GIA certified precious and semi precious gemstone jewelry in exquisite designs. Take your pick from ruby, emerald, tanzanite, blue sapphire, citrine, blue topaz and many others.

How much does a GIA certification cost?

A GIA Diamond Grading Report costs $78 for diamonds that are . 15+ carats. The report evaluates the 4C’s, includes a plotted clarity diagram, shape and cutting style, GIA cut grade, measurements, weight, polish and symmetry, fluorescence, color-treatments and an optional laser inscription.

Is Gia cute?

Gia is a cute if slight name that calls to mind stylish sisters Mia, Lea, Pia, Tia, and Nia. Gia was chosen by Matt Damon and by Mario Lopez for their daughters and also gained recent fame as the name of the oldest daughter of Real New Jersey Housewife Teresa Giudice.

What is a nickname for GIA?

Gia is a most likely English female name, used as short for the Italian name Gianna (English Jane), Giada (English Jade) or Georgia….Gia (name)

Origin
Variant form(s)Gianna Giana Jane
Nickname(s)Giana