Over the past several decades an industry has been transformed. Within a relatively short timeframe the gemstone and jewelry industry has been catapulted from the dark ages into the fast paced information age of the 21st century.
Technology and the information age have affected the diamond industry. Similarly, the colored stone and jewelry industry has been influenced. Optimum yield via computer for rough emerald, ruby and sapphire, as well as jewelry design via computer, showing literally thousands of different variations of a particular style are all commonplace today.
Gemology, the study of gemstones is usually divided into two major categories, that of diamonds and that of all other gemstones, including colored stones and pearls.
Forty years ago rarely did the gem and jewelry industry require the services of a gemological laboratory, other than to distinguish natural from cultured pearls. Today, IGI's gem lab has proven time and again the necessity for its expertise. Along with the information age has come the ability for chemists and scientists to create synthetic diamonds and gemstones.
Today, almost every diamond of a carat or more, sold by manufacturers, at the diamond bourses around the world to retailers and ultimately to consumers is accompanied by an independent grading certificate adhering to the internationally accepted system for diamond grading.
The maturation of the gemstone cutting industry and the jewelry manufacturing business both have led to become necessary trade components. Another industry, which has recently evolved alongside the gem and jewelry industry, is professional appraising. this industry has developed over the last 20 years; where appraisers were once considered generalist tradesmen, today they are specialized professionals.
Tradesmen originally became appraisers in their field of expertise. Today, in addition to having prerequisite experience in their individual discipline, professional appraisers must also possess a required body of knowledge such as law and report preparation. Currently, the professional gem and jewelry appraiser becomes accredited and certified by major appraisal societies after fulfilling numerous requirements and passing vigorous examinations. In order to maintain accreditation appraisers must re-certify every five years.
Entering this new age companies look and feel different and the economy has shifted. Markets are now global in scope and it has become essential to understand these changes and to interpret how these changes affect the jewelry industry.
Since 1975, IGI reports have proven to be the internationally recognized passport for gemstones and fine jewelry. At IGI over 450 scientific technicians and gemologists examine hundreds of thousands of diamonds, colored stones and jewelry items every year.
Because at IGI, we know how important it is for consumers to buy safely, assured that their diamonds or gems are genuine. We are also sensitive to the fact that jewelers must convey insight to their clients by being able to offer adequate answers to the most probing questions.
The International Gemological Institute, the largest independent grading and appraisal organization in the world, is dedicated to serving the diamond, colored stone and jewelry industry in all its facets. Our standards of excellence have earned us a global reputation for integrity, accuracy and reliability.
IGI has produced a special Eco Diamond Report that insures that the diamonds they have inspected are Ecologically & Socially Responsible. Additionally it bears the Earth Share logo and that a percentage of all jewelry sales are contributed to their organization.
IGI Eco Diamond Report 
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