IGI Certification or Faster Delivery? Understanding Your Options at Sternvoll Jewelry

When purchasing fine jewelry, especially diamonds, different customers value different things. Some prefer the added reassurance of an independent laboratory certification, while others prioritize a faster delivery time for an upcoming proposal, gift, or special occasion.

At Sternvoll Jewelry, we believe both priorities are valid. That is why we offer IGI certification as an optional upgrade for many of our pieces, while every order also includes a Sternvoll manufacturer certificate confirming the authenticity and specifications of your jewelry.

What is IGI?

IGI stands for the International Gemological Institute, one of the world’s best-known independent gemological laboratories. Founded in 1975, IGI is internationally recognized for grading diamonds and gemstones using standardized criteria.

"International Gemological Institute (IGI) is a Belgian diamond, colored stone and jewelry certification organization. Established in 1975, it is the largest independent gemological laboratory worldwide."
— Wikipedia

What Does an IGI Certificate Include?

An IGI certificate provides an independent analysis of a diamond’s characteristics, including:

• Cut
• Color
• Clarity
• Carat Weight

The report is created by gemological experts using internationally recognized grading standards.

Why Some Customers Choose IGI Certification

For customers who want an additional level of external documentation, IGI certification can provide extra reassurance and transparency.

• Independent Verification:
  The diamond is evaluated by an external gemological laboratory.
  
  
• Detailed Grading Report:
  You receive a standardized assessment of the diamond’s characteristics.
  
  
• Additional Documentation:
  Some customers appreciate having internationally recognized paperwork for insurance, resale, or personal preference.
  
  
• Online Verification:
  IGI certificates can be verified directly through the official IGI website.

Why Some Customers Prefer the Manufacturer Certificate

IGI certification requires additional laboratory processing and typically extends production time by approximately one week. For this reason, many customers choose our included Sternvoll manufacturer certificate instead.

This option is especially popular for:

• Time-sensitive gifts or proposals
• Customers who prefer faster delivery
• Smaller center stones where independent certification is less important to the buyer
• Customers who primarily value the design and craftsmanship of the jewelry itself

Our manufacturer certificate confirms the authenticity and specifications of your jewelry and is included at no additional cost.

How to Verify an IGI Certificate

1. Locate the IGI Certification Number:
   The number is printed on the IGI certificate and may also be laser-inscribed on the diamond itself.
   
   
2. Visit the Official IGI Website:
   Go to the official IGI website and open the verification or “Report Check” section.
   
   
3. Enter the Certification Number:
   Input the unique report number into the verification tool.
   
   
4. Review the Report Details:
   You will be able to confirm the grading information associated with the certificate.

Which Option Should You Choose?

There is no universally “right” choice — it depends entirely on your personal priorities.

• Choose IGI Certification if you would like independent laboratory documentation and do not mind a slightly longer processing time.
  
  
• Choose the included Sternvoll Manufacturer Certificate if you prefer a faster delivery while still receiving a carefully inspected and authentic Sternvoll piece.

Our goal is to give you the flexibility to decide what matters most to you — additional external certification or quicker delivery — while maintaining the same commitment to craftsmanship and quality.