The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has identified a lab-grown diamond which, it claims, is the largest to have ever been passed off “as a lab-grown stone as natural”.
In its Thailand facility, IGI recently analysed and graded a 6.18ct round brilliant-cut, loose stone and established it was a lab-grown diamond, despite the fact that the stone’s GIA report claimed it was a a natural diamond, D color, flawless clarity and triple excellent-cut.
It was cut and polished specifically to match the data on the GIA report with unprecedented precision, IGI said. It was also inscribed with a fake laser number, one of the latest methods of verification for diamonds.
IGI Thailand and Hong Kong managing director, Bob Van Es, said: “This is the largest lab-grown diamond ever certified by a leading gemmological laboratory, where the sole purpose was to pass off a lab-grown stone as natural.
“At IGI, we have seen a huge increase in double verification demand, which means before going for a major purchase, consumers like to receive confirmation that the stone matches the original report.”
Meanwhile, IGI CEO, Roland Lorie, added: “A second opinion ensures the integrity of diamonds through detailed analysis, which is an extra, necessary buffer that protects consumers from purchasing misrepresented gemstones.
“As fraud becomes more apparent, IGI continues to demonstrate its expertise in identifying this malpractice and serving as the end authority for consumers to trust that Institute-certified jewelry is accurately graded and analysed.”
See the stone’s IGI report below:
