Only tests can establish if they are natural or lab-grown: IGI

The International Gemological Institute (IGI) India has urged diamond buyers to go only for certified products, amid concerns over synthetic diamonds being sold as real ones.

“One should not be buying diamond blindly. There are concerns and that is why we are advising people to buy only certified diamond jewellery,” said Tehmasp Printer, MD, IGI India.

IGI, which certifies diamonds in Europe, West Asia and India, has seen many people regretting their purchase based solely on trust. It said certification eliminated fakes and enabled the buyer to know the exact quality of genuine diamond. “We are protecting and safeguarding consumer interest while buying diamonds and diamond jewellery. We have the expertise to differentiate between natural diamonds and its simulant or counterfeit,” Mr. Printer said. He said, “We ensure every diamond which is IGI certified is a natural diamond and a billion-year-old diamond.” Among all diamonds certified in India, 85% is by IGI.

60% certified

IGI India officials said of all the diamond jewellery sold in India, up to 60% were certified, leaving the rest 40% to uncertainties. When IGI set up base in India two decades ago, only 2% of diamonds were certified. Referring to synthetic diamond or ‘lab-grown’ diamonds, Mr. Printer said: “As the development of lab-grown diamonds has taken giant leaps and their presence among natural diamonds is on the rise, only laboratory testing can accurately distinguish between the lab-grown and natural diamonds.”

According to analysts, the ratio of synthetic diamond has crossed 1% of all diamonds sold and this ratio is set to grow to 3% by 2023. IGI officials said their objective is to create an awareness during the festive season when buying gains momentum.