GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming
It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
On Oct. 1, GIA will roll out its Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment (pictured), which will include the new “premium” or “standard” designation for lab-grown diamonds. Current laboratory services for D-to-Z lab-grown diamonds will be available until Sept. 30, GIA noted. (Photo courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America)
Carlsbad, Calif.—After announcing plans to change the way it grades lab-grown diamonds (again), the Gemological Institute of America shared details on its new approach Tuesday.
Beginning Oct. 1, the lab will replace its digital-only lab-grown diamond grading reports, which evaluate the stones using the same color and clarity scale applied to natural diamonds, with a printed and much more general document called the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment.
The assessment will be available only for lab-grown diamonds of a certain size (0.15 carats and up) and quality, with each stone being classified as either “premium” or “standard.”
In its press release announcing the pending change, GIA outlined the criteria for the two classifications.
To be deemed “premium,” lab-grown diamonds must be: D color; VVS clarity or higher; have “excellent” polish and symmetry; and, for round brilliant-cut diamonds, a cut grade of “excellent.”
Lab-grown diamonds that meet any combination of the “premium” criteria described above and the following minimum criteria will be classified as “standard.”
Those minimum criteria are: E to J color; VS clarity; “very good” polish; “very good” symmetry (or “good” for fancy shapes); and, for round brilliants only, a “very good” cut grade.
Lab-grown diamonds that do not meet the minimum criteria will not receive an assessment, GIA said.
Related stories will be right here …
Beginning Oct. 1, the lab will replace its digital-only lab-grown diamond grading reports, which evaluate the stones using the same color and clarity scale applied to natural diamonds, with a printed and much more general document called the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment.
The assessment will be available only for lab-grown diamonds of a certain size (0.15 carats and up) and quality, with each stone being classified as either “premium” or “standard.”
In its press release announcing the pending change, GIA outlined the criteria for the two classifications.
To be deemed “premium,” lab-grown diamonds must be: D color; VVS clarity or higher; have “excellent” polish and symmetry; and, for round brilliant-cut diamonds, a cut grade of “excellent.”
Lab-grown diamonds that meet any combination of the “premium” criteria described above and the following minimum criteria will be classified as “standard.”
Those minimum criteria are: E to J color; VS clarity; “very good” polish; “very good” symmetry (or “good” for fancy shapes); and, for round brilliants only, a “very good” cut grade.
Lab-grown diamonds that do not meet the minimum criteria will not receive an assessment, GIA said.
The cost for the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment will be $15/carat, with a minimum charge of $15.
That is half what the lab is currently charging for its more basic Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report Dossier for the smallest diamonds, 0.15-0.22 carats, according to the current fee schedule for lab-grown diamond grading reports on the GIA website.
The cost for a regular Laboratory Grown-Diamond Report starts at $60 for 0.15- to 0.22-carat stones.
Anyone who submits a diamond that does not qualify as “premium” or “standard” will still have to pay $5.
GIA will inscribe the girdle of each stone submitted and ultimately assessed with the words “Laboratory-Grown,” as well as the quality assessment number.
Tuesday’s news follows the announcement GIA made in early June during the Las Vegas jewelry shows about its intention to revert to more general terminology for lab-grown diamonds.
The updated language is actually less specific than what the lab used when it first started grading lab-grown diamonds in 2006.
Back then, the stones received a Synthetic Diamond Grading Report and were classified as either “colorless” (D, E, F) or “near colorless” (G, H, I), and assigned one of four clarity grades: VVS, VS, SI, or I.
In April 2019, following the release of the Federal Trade Commission’s revised Jewelry Guides, GIA announced it was changing the report’s name from the GIA Synthetic Diamond Grading Report to the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report.
The lab also began including the standard color, clarity, and cut grading scales used for natural diamonds on the reports, though it continued to grade lab-grown diamonds the same way, noting the scales were included for reference purposes only.
That changed in August 2020 when 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” of the product.
Five years later, the lab is altering its approach to lab-grown diamonds again, with current President and CEO Pritesh Patel echoing what Tom Moses told National Jeweler in a 2016 interview.
“Using descriptive terms for the quality of laboratory-grown diamonds is appropriate, as most fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity,” Patel said in Tuesday’s release.
“Because of that, GIA will no longer use the nomenclature created for natural diamonds to describe what is a manufactured product.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
