When shopping for diamonds, it is important to understand the difference between EGL and GIA diamonds. GIA is the most well-known and respected diamond grading organization in the world, while EGL is not as well known. When it comes to diamonds, you can’t go wrong with a GIA-certified stone.
What is EGL Diamond?
EGL diamond is a type of diamond that has been graded by the EGL or European Gemological Laboratory. EGL-graded diamonds are typically less expensive than GIA- or AGS-graded diamonds of comparable quality, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. EGL diamonds are also sometimes considered to be more “eye-clean,” meaning that they have fewer inclusions visible to the naked eye. However, because EGL’s standards for grading clarity and color are generally not as stringent as those of other labs, some shoppers feel that EGL diamonds represent a lower value than their GIA- or AGS-graded counterparts. Ultimately, whether or not an EGL diamond is right for you depends on your personal preferences and budget.
What is GIA Diamond?
GIA stands for the Gemological Institute of America. GIA is a nonprofit institute dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts. GIA is perhaps best known for its diamond grading scale, which is used by jewelers around the world. GIA Diamond is a division of GIA that focuses on diamonds and diamond grading. GIA Diamond offers certification services for loose diamonds as well as finished jewelry. GIA Diamond also offers educational resources for jewelers, including books, videos, and online courses. Whether you’re a professional jeweler or simply interested in learning more about diamonds, GIA Diamond is a great resource.
Difference between EGL and GIA Diamonds
EGL and GIA are two of the most popular diamond grading organizations in the world. EGL, or European Gemological Laboratory, is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, while GIA, or Gemological Institute of America, is based in Carlsbad, California.
- Both organizations have a well-established reputation for providing accurate and reliable diamond grading reports. However, there are some important differences between the two organizations.
- EGL diamonds are typically graded on a 0 to 8 scale, with 0 being the highest quality and 8 being the lowest.
- GIA diamonds are graded on a D-Z scale, with D being the highest quality and Z being the lowest.
- In addition, EGL reports often include commentary from the gemologist, while GIA reports do not.
As a result of these differences, EGL and GIA diamonds can vary significantly in price. When choosing a diamond, it is important to consider both the quality of the stone and the reputation of the grading organization.
Conclusion
Although the two diamond grading labs use different methods to grade diamonds, they both arrive at a similar conclusion. When it comes to deciding which lab you should trust to grade your diamond, it is important to understand their grading system and what each letter means. Both EGL and GIA are highly respected labs, so whichever one you choose, you can be sure that your diamond will be graded fairly and accurately.
