1975 - 1985

 

• IGI was established in 1975 and is today the oldest laboratory in Antwerp
• IGI's School of Gemology is first to conduct training courses covering rough diamonds
• IGI Laserscribe System Mark patent introduces a method to permanently mark diamonds using laser beams
• IGI is the first laboratory to issue Jewelry Identification Reports
• IGI is the only laboratory in the world providing repair and re-cut of diamonds
• IGI is the first lab to seal diamonds for protection purpose
• IGI develops the first comprehensive diamond cut grading chart

1986 - 1999

 

• IGI is first to perform permanent inscription on the table of diamonds, using ion beam technology
• IGI Laboratories become fully equipped to identify any kind of synthetic diamond
• IGI develops UV-VIS-NIR spectrometer to identify treated diamonds
• IGI develops its own photoluminescence spectrometer to identify HPHT-processed diamonds
• IGI is the first laboratory to go worldwide under one management. Today 17 offices

2000 – Present

 

• IGI develops an innovative system for the grading of small diamonds
• IGI is the first laboratory to issue co-branded certificates in cooperation with renowned jewelry industry brands
• IGI introduces hands-on courses to factories for the purpose of improving manufacturing
• IGI introduces supplemental courses to sales people and enthusiasts to improve their professional knowledge
• IGI creates the Hearts and Arrows Diamond Reports with worldwide recognition