Auric Jewels

Certification is the single most important factor when buying diamond jewellery in India. A certified diamond comes with an independent, internationally recognised report that verifies the stone's quality — cut, clarity, colour, and carat weight. An uncertified diamond is a gamble. Yet many Indian buyers still purchase diamonds without proper certification, often paying more for lower quality. This guide from Auric Jewels explains the two major certifications — IGI and GIA — and how to use them to protect your purchase.

Why Certification Matters

Without an independent certification report, you are relying entirely on the jeweller's word for a diamond's quality. This creates three risks:

Overpaying: A jeweller may describe a J colour, SI2 clarity diamond as "near-colourless, eye-clean" — technically not wrong, but misleading. With certification, you know exactly what you are buying and can compare prices across showrooms.
No resale baseline: If you ever want to exchange, upgrade, or sell your diamond, a certification report establishes its market value. Without it, buyers have no reference point.
No accountability: If the diamond does not match what was promised, a certification report is your proof. Without it, disputes become he-said-she-said.

IGI vs GIA — What's the Difference?

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At Auric Jewels, we stock both IGI and GIA certified diamonds. Our consultants explain the grading nuances for each stone and help you compare apples to apples.

How to Read a Diamond Certification Report

Key Fields to Check

Report number: Every certification has a unique number. Verify it on the lab's website (igi.org or gia.edu) to confirm authenticity.
Carat weight: Measured to two decimal places. A "1 carat" diamond should read 1.00 or higher.
Cut grade: Look for Excellent or Very Good. Avoid Good, Fair, or Poor cuts.
Colour grade: D is best, Z is worst. G-H offers the best value for most buyers.
Clarity grade: FL is best, I3 is worst. VS2-SI1 is the sweet spot for value.
Clarity plot: A diagram showing the exact location and type of inclusions.
Fluorescence: None to Medium is fine. Strong or Very Strong fluorescence can affect appearance.
Proportions: Table percentage, depth percentage, crown angle — these determine how well the diamond sparkles.

Red Flags — What Certification Is NOT

In-House Certificates

Some jewellers issue their own "certificate of quality" or "purity guarantee." This is not diamond certification. An in-house certificate is the jeweller grading their own product — there is no independent verification. Always insist on IGI or GIA certification from an independent laboratory.

SGL and Other Indian Labs

SGL (Solitaire Gemological Laboratories) is an Indian lab that certifies diamonds. While legitimate, SGL grading tends to be more generous than IGI or GIA. If you are comparing diamonds, compare within the same lab system. An SGL "G colour" may be an IGI "H colour" or GIA "I colour."

Laser-Inscribed Diamonds Without Reports

Some diamonds have a report number laser-inscribed on the girdle (edge). This is a good sign — but always cross-check the number on the lab's website. A laser inscription without a matching report in the lab's database is worthless.

Certification for Different Diamond Types

How Auric Jewels Handles Certification

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At Auric Jewels, our approach to certification is straightforward:

Every diamond above 0.20 carats comes with an IGI or GIA certification report
The report is provided to you before you make a purchasing decision — not after
Our consultants walk you through the report, explaining each grade and what it means for your purchase
You can verify every report number on the lab's website
Certification is included in the price — never an "add-on" charge

Visit our showroom at 201, Greenwood Plaza, Greenwood City, Sector 45, Gurugram, 122003 to see certified diamonds and their reports in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Buy Certified — Buy Confident

Every diamond at Auric Jewels is independently certified. Visit our showroom at 201, Greenwood Plaza, Greenwood City, Sector 45, Gurugram, 122003 to see the difference certification makes. Open 10 AM to 8 PM daily. Call +91 90124 95941 or browse at www.auricjewels.com.

How to Buy Certified Diamond Jewellery in India — IGI vs GIA Guide 2026