LGD Cert: GIA vs IGI vs GCAL

[paperumbrella]

I am curious what the experts here prefer in terms of LGD certification and why. I appreciate that everyone here is so generous with sharing their opinions and knowledge- I am really enjoying learning more about diamonds and other gems!

 

[Kim N]

IGI seems to be the most common. My personal preference is GCAL 8x for the cut analysis.

 

[DejaWiz]

IGI - good and very common
GIA - good, but rare
AGS - great, but rarer still
GCAL 8X - minimal effort, maximum payoff

It's possible to find both pinnacles and duds with any grading lab, and I've even seen a few GCAL 8X diamonds online that had minor wonkiness that I'd personally avoid, but I'd guess that 99% of the time, a GCAL 8X diamond is about the safest choice for getting amazing cut quality and light performance.

 

[nan nan]

IGI - good and very common
GIA - good, but rare
AGS - great, but rarer still
GCAL 8X - minimal effort, maximum payoff

It's possible to find both pinnacles and duds with any grading lab, and I've even seen a few GCAL 8X diamonds online that had minor wonkiness that I'd personally avoid, but I'd guess that 99% of the time, a GCAL 8X diamond is about the safest choice for getting amazing cut quality and light performance.

which seller carries GCAL 8x, I could not find one yet.

 

[Kim N]

which seller carries GCAL 8x, I could not find one yet.

Adiamor sells a lot of them. Frank Darling also carries some.

 

[DejaWiz]

We can help you search and even make some outstanding recommendations, if you'd like.

We just need to know:
1. Budget for the loose diamond
2. Carat weight or diameter range you desire
3. Color range preference
4. Clarity range preference
5. Stateside or overseas

 

[nan nan]

We can help you search and even make some outstanding recommendations, if you'd like.

We just need to know:
1. Budget for the loose diamond
2. Carat weight or diameter range you desire
3. Color range preference
4. Clarity range preference
5. Stateside or overseas

Oh that will be fantastic, I do not know the price for GCAL 8x, just heard that will be pricier than others. I really want to have 4.50-5 carats, color G, or F and VS2 or better. My budget is $25,000, also open mind with GCAL 8x price as well. Thank you so much for your help

 

[vintageinjune]

Can't quite tell if there is the barest hint of blue nuance or if it is the lighting, but I've had my eye on this one for a while: $24k, E, VS1, IGI , Hearts and Arrows.

GemsNY Reviews - The Best Jeweler Online

www.gemsny.com

 

[DejaWiz]

Can't quite tell if there is the barest hint of blue nuance or if it is the lighting, but I've had my eye on this one for a while: $24k, E, VS1, IGI , Hearts and Arrows.

GemsNY Reviews - The Best Jeweler Online

www.gemsny.com

Very hard to tell if this is a IIb in the lighting that they used for the showcase video, but may be worth going for it...can always be returned.
Nice find, vintageinjune!

 

[nan nan]

Can't quite tell if there is the barest hint of blue nuance or if it is the lighting, but I've had my eye on this one for a while: $24k, E, VS1, IGI , Hearts and Arrows.

GemsNY Reviews - The Best Jeweler Online

www.gemsny.com

I will check it out; thank you

 

[nan nan]

Very hard to tell if this is a IIb in the lighting that they used for the showcase video, but may be worth going for it...can always be returned.
Nice find, vintageinjune!

Thank you