Lab-GrownOct 15, 2020
GIA’s New Reports for Lab-Grown Diamonds Are OutLab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds
It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”
Starting later this year, GIA will change its approach to lab-grown diamonds once again, abandoning the use of specific color and clarity grades for the stones in favor of assigning them to one of two categories, “premium” or “standard.”
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America is once again changing the reports it issues for lab-grown diamonds.
This time, the lab is going right back to where it started from, sort of.
On Monday, GIA announced that beginning later this year, it will quit using the color and clarity nomenclature it developed for natural diamonds in evaluating lab-grown diamonds.
Instead, the lab will, first, confirm that the submitted stone is a laboratory-grown diamond and then evaluate its color, clarity, and finish to determine if it falls into one of two categories: “premium” or “standard.”
If the lab-grown diamond fails to meet the minimum standard for quality, it will not receive a designation from GIA.
The lab said it is making the change in response to the dramatic compression in the range of color and clarity seen in lab-grown diamonds, a change that has come about as a result of continual improvements in diamond-growing technology in recent years.
It also noted that this revision will “help consumers understand the important differences in the two products’ origin, ensuring their confidence and enabling them to make informed and educated purchase decisions.”
GIA said that since 2022, 95 percent of the man-made diamonds submitted to the lab for grading have been colorless, meaning they would receive a grade of D, E, or F, while 98 percent received a clarity grade of VS1 or higher.
Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses remarked, “Similar to other man-made gem materials, we anticipate the continued acceptance and popularity of laboratory-grown diamonds.
“More than 95 percent of laboratory-grown diamonds entering the market fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity. Because of that, it is no longer relevant for GIA to describe man-made diamonds using the nomenclature created for the continuum of color and clarity of natural diamonds.”
Moses’ remarks echo those he made in a 2016 interview with National Jeweler in which he explained the rationale behind GIA’s approach to grading lab-grown diamonds.
At that time, GIA used broader terms to describe lab-grown diamonds, calling stones in the D-F range “colorless” and those in the G-I range “near colorless,” and using only four clarity grades for the stones, VVS, VS, SI or I, compared with 11 for natural diamonds.
Moses said at the time that GIA chose to do it this way because lab-grown diamonds just aren’t going to have the same color and clarity range as mined diamonds.
To GIA, it didn’t make sense to apply its grading system—which Moses noted was developed for “normal mine run” in the 1940s, long before lab-grown diamonds were hitting the market in the quantities they are today—to man-made diamonds.
Related stories will be right here …
This time, the lab is going right back to where it started from, sort of.
On Monday, GIA announced that beginning later this year, it will quit using the color and clarity nomenclature it developed for natural diamonds in evaluating lab-grown diamonds.
Instead, the lab will, first, confirm that the submitted stone is a laboratory-grown diamond and then evaluate its color, clarity, and finish to determine if it falls into one of two categories: “premium” or “standard.”
If the lab-grown diamond fails to meet the minimum standard for quality, it will not receive a designation from GIA.
The lab said it is making the change in response to the dramatic compression in the range of color and clarity seen in lab-grown diamonds, a change that has come about as a result of continual improvements in diamond-growing technology in recent years.
It also noted that this revision will “help consumers understand the important differences in the two products’ origin, ensuring their confidence and enabling them to make informed and educated purchase decisions.”
GIA said that since 2022, 95 percent of the man-made diamonds submitted to the lab for grading have been colorless, meaning they would receive a grade of D, E, or F, while 98 percent received a clarity grade of VS1 or higher.
Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses remarked, “Similar to other man-made gem materials, we anticipate the continued acceptance and popularity of laboratory-grown diamonds.
“More than 95 percent of laboratory-grown diamonds entering the market fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity. Because of that, it is no longer relevant for GIA to describe man-made diamonds using the nomenclature created for the continuum of color and clarity of natural diamonds.”
Moses’ remarks echo those he made in a 2016 interview with National Jeweler in which he explained the rationale behind GIA’s approach to grading lab-grown diamonds.
At that time, GIA used broader terms to describe lab-grown diamonds, calling stones in the D-F range “colorless” and those in the G-I range “near colorless,” and using only four clarity grades for the stones, VVS, VS, SI or I, compared with 11 for natural diamonds.
Moses said at the time that GIA chose to do it this way because lab-grown diamonds just aren’t going to have the same color and clarity range as mined diamonds.
To GIA, it didn’t make sense to apply its grading system—which Moses noted was developed for “normal mine run” in the 1940s, long before lab-grown diamonds were hitting the market in the quantities they are today—to man-made diamonds.
GIA first began accepting lab-grown diamonds for grading in 2006.
It announced the first shift in how it approaches the stones after the Federal Trade Commission rolled out its revised Jewelry Guides in 2018. Among the revisions was the removal of the word “synthetic” from the list of recommended terms for referring to lab-grown diamonds.
In light of this update, the lab announced in April 2019 that it would be changing the name of what was then called the GIA Synthetic Diamond Grading Report to the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report.
It also started including the standard color, clarity and cut grading scales on the reports, but for reference purposes only; the lab did not start grading lab-grown diamonds the same way it did natural stones.
A little more than a year later, that changed.
In August 2020, GIA announced that it would start using the same specific color and clarity grades for both natural and lab-grown diamonds, citing the “growing acceptance in the trade and by consumers of laboratory-grown diamonds as a distinct category.”
Now, nearly five years since that announcement, GIA is pivoting yet again.
This time, the lab is arguably using even broader terminology than it did when it first started accepting lab-grown diamonds for grading nearly 20 years ago.
It is going from using the terms “colorless” or “near colorless” and a limited range of clarity grades to evaluating both qualities together, along with finish, to determine if man-made stones are “premium” or “standard.”
GIA said it is still developing pricing and submission guidelines for its new lab-grown diamond grading service.
It expects to announce more specifics in the third quarter. In the meantime, existing GIA reports for lab-grown diamonds remain valid.
The release does not mention if the reports, or whatever is forthcoming with this new service, will have a different name.
It also does not mention if there will be any changes to the way GIA applies the other two Cs to lab-grown diamonds—carat weight and cut, which is a factor introduced during the manufacturing process and thereby can exist on a broad continuum for both natural and lab-grown diamonds.
GIA said its current services for lab-grown diamonds will continue to be available until the revised descriptive system for lab-grown diamonds is finalized later this year.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
