IGI Investor Day 2026: Global Expansion, AI-Driven Certification and Lab-Grown Diamond Leadership

What Happened ?

At Investor Day 2026, management presented IGI’s long-term business strategy centred around trust, technology and global expansion. The presentation emphasized that certification has become an increasingly important part of jewellery transactions, with rising consumer awareness, growing organised retail and expanding adoption of lab-grown diamonds creating structural demand for independent certification.

Management also highlighted investments in automation, artificial intelligence and research initiatives designed to improve laboratory efficiency while maintaining grading consistency and scientific integrity. 

key details

Global Leadership in Certification:

• Operates 37 laboratories across 10 countries.
• Runs 21 Schools of Gemology worldwide.
• Issued approximately 12.8 million certification reports during CY2025.
• Holds 30–40% global market share in certifications.
• Commands 40–50% market share in India.
• Maintains 65–75% market share in lab-grown diamond certification.

Note:

• Management considers IGI’s global network, independent certification standards and education ecosystem as significant competitive advantages.

Expansion into Coloured Gemstones:

• Completed acquisition of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) in January 2026.
• Acquisition value: US$13.2 million.
• AGL has specialised expertise in coloured stone origin determination.
• Management intends to combine AGL’s technical capabilities with IGI’s global distribution network.

Note:

• The acquisition diversifies revenue beyond diamonds while expanding IGI’s presence in premium gemstone certification.

Technology & AI Initiatives:

Management highlighted ongoing investments in:

• AI-driven workflow allocation.
• Automated scheduling systems.
• Real-time productivity monitoring.
• Performance dashboards.
• Process automation.
• Laboratory research and development.
• Digital certification workflow improvements.

Note:

• Management stated these initiatives are intended to improve turnaround time and productivity without changing grading standards.

Industry Growth Outlook:

Management expects:

• Global jewellery market to grow from US$340–350 billion (CY2025) to US$410–430 billion by CY2030.
• Global retail diamond jewellery market to reach US$135–145 billion by CY2030.
• Certification volumes to increase from 33–38 million to 75–80 million by CY2030.
• Certification penetration to improve from 70–75% to 80–85%.

Growth is expected to be supported by:

• Increasing consumer awareness.
• Higher organised retail penetration.
• Expansion of lab-grown diamonds.
• Growing acceptance of coloured gemstones.
• Rising disposable incomes.

Note:

• Management believes certification demand should grow alongside broader jewellery consumption across multiple categories.

Lab-Grown Diamond Opportunity:

Management highlighted:

• Stable wholesale pricing after earlier corrections.
• Continued production capacity expansion.
• Increasing retail acceptance.
• Significant investments by jewellery brands.
• Growing organised retail participation.
• Strong certification demand driven by retail sales.

Note:

• IGI expects lab-grown diamonds to expand the addressable jewellery market while creating recurring certification opportunities.

Global Expansion Strategy:

Management outlined plans to:

• Strengthen presence across the Middle East.
• Expand into Saudi Arabia and additional international markets.
• Build operations across Europe.
• Increase global certification capacity.
• Grow consumer-facing brand awareness beyond trade customers.

Note:

• International expansion remains a central component of IGI’s long-term growth strategy. 

Brand & Consumer Strategy:

Management emphasized:

• Building direct consumer trust.
• Strengthening global brand recognition.
• Expanding retailer partnerships.
• Increasing certification awareness.
• Enhancing consumer confidence during jewellery purchases.

Note:

• Management believes certification is becoming an increasingly important factor influencing jewellery purchase decisions globally.

Risk Analysis

Summary:

• While IGI operates from a strong market position, future growth depends on continued jewellery demand, certification adoption, successful international expansion and execution of technology initiatives.

Key Risks:

• Weakness in global jewellery demand.
• Slower adoption of certified jewellery.
• Competitive pressure from other certification agencies.
• Changes in consumer preferences.
• Execution risks in international expansion.
• Integration risks associated with AGL acquisition.

Worst Case:

• If global jewellery demand slows, certification penetration grows more slowly than expected or expansion initiatives face execution challenges, revenue growth could moderate despite IGI’s established global franchise.

Risk Level: Medium

Company Commentary

• Certification remains the foundation of trust across the global jewellery industry.
• IGI continues investing in technology and AI-enabled laboratory operations.
• Global expansion remains a strategic priority.
• AGL acquisition expands presence in coloured gemstone certification.
• Consumer awareness and organised retail continue to drive certification demand.
• Long-term growth is expected across natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, jewellery and coloured gemstones.