IDR vs GIA
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Arguably both gemological laboratories are very important - IDR (International Diamond Report) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America). GIA is the best known lab in the world with facilities in most of the major trading centers in the world. IDR is extremely important, having made a name for itself as a pioneer in the critical area of diamond cut quality analysis.
The discussion of IDR vs GIA reveals more similarities than differences between the two labs, with an IDR certificate shedding light in areas lacking in a GIA report such as light return in a diamond and a remark for the Hearts & Arrows effect. |
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By virtue of having created the diamond grading system that is used in one form or another by all the serious labs in the world, GIA has by far the greatest reach. It is held in very high regard and trusted by millions of diamond consumers worldwide. However, in the area of cut grading GIA was late to the party and continues to lag behind, and that has fueled the demand for the services offered by the IDR Laboratory.
The IDR was founded as a lab for retail jewelers bound by the highest code of ethics in the industry, while the GIA was founded as an institute of research and knowledge for the diamond and gemstone trade.
In the mid 2000s the IDR recognized a growing need in the market and established its own gemological laboratory devoted to the understanding of the least well known of the diamond “4 C’s” – Cut grading.
IDR gained a reputation for doing consistent diamond grading and enabling a growing number of consumers looking for diamonds with top light performance to easily find them. Today, a rapidly growing number of diamond shoppers are learning about the significant impact of cut quality on diamond beauty.
The IDR was founded as a lab for retail jewelers bound by the highest code of ethics in the industry, while the GIA was founded as an institute of research and knowledge for the diamond and gemstone trade.
In the mid 2000s the IDR recognized a growing need in the market and established its own gemological laboratory devoted to the understanding of the least well known of the diamond “4 C’s” – Cut grading.
IDR gained a reputation for doing consistent diamond grading and enabling a growing number of consumers looking for diamonds with top light performance to easily find them. Today, a rapidly growing number of diamond shoppers are learning about the significant impact of cut quality on diamond beauty.
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IDR has established practices to maintain consistency with GIA standards. For instance, both labs use Sarin technologies to analyze the proportions of a diamond.
This technology used by the IDR and GIA are assembled according to the strict standards established in the diamond industry now days. Both labs are highly respected. Both labs perform consistent and dependable grading. |
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