Sourcing

GIA: More Large Lab-Grown Diamonds Likely Are Coming

SourcingApr 01, 2016

GIA: More Large Lab-Grown Diamonds Likely Are Coming

The lab’s Tom Moses and Wuyi Wang reached this conclusion after being granted permission to visit a diamond-growing factory in China.

20160401_lab-grown-article.jpg
A factory in China is producing a large number of colorless, gem-quality diamonds grown using the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) process. The GIA said these crystals have typical cuboctahedral morphology and weigh up to 3.5 carats. (Photo used with permission of the GIA, credit Jianxin (Jae) Liao.)

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America said it expects even more large lab-grown diamonds produced using the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) method to enter the supply pipeline in the future.

In an article slated to appear in the spring 2016 issue of Gems & Gemology and published on GIA.edu now, the GIA’s Tom Moses and Wuyi Wang described their experience at Jinan Zhongwu New Materials Co. Ltd., a diamond-growing factory in Shandong, China. The GIA asked and, subsequently, was granted permission to visit this factory.

There, Moses, the GIA’s chief laboratory and research officer, and Wang, the director of research and development, obtained 50 crystals ranging in size from 0.5 to 1.2 carats. All were readily identifiable as synthetic using the same instrumentation and techniques applied to diamonds submitted to the GIA for grading, the lab said.

The article also noted that the HPHT technology used to grow gem-quality diamonds has improved rapidly in the last few years, and that it’s now being used to produce “many” melee-size diamond as well as large colorless single crystals.

Moses and Wang said in the article that one Russian company, New Diamond Technology, is reportedly able to grow multiple large gem-quality colorless diamond crystals in a single run, and that Jinan Zhongwu New Materials is utilizing similar technology.

New Diamond Technology is the Russian company that produced a 10.02-carat, F color diamond and a 5.03-carat fancy deep blue. An article about the blue diamond also will be in the upcoming edition of Gems & Gemology and was published online beforehand.

While the Jinan’s total production volume remains unclear, “it is undoubtedly significant, and capacity is likely to expand in the near future,” the article states. “This strongly suggests that even more large HPHT synthetic diamonds will be introduced into the jewelry industry.”

A GIA spokeswoman said any further details the GIA is able to share about Jinan Zhongwu New Materials will be included in the spring edition of Gems & Gemology.
Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Chanel Coco Game Haute Horlogerie Chessboard
WatchesApr 21, 2026
Coco Chanel Enters the Game with New Watch Collection

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a character in the “Coco Game” collection of watches and the queen in its first haute horlogerie chessboard.

Jewelers of America 20 Under 40 winners collage
IndependentsApr 21, 2026
Meet Jewelers of America’s 2026 ‘20 Under 40’ Class

The annual list honors rising professionals on the retail and supply sides of the jewelry industry.

Fake Fendi bangle
CrimeApr 21, 2026
Customs Nabs 1,500 Pieces of Counterfeit Jewelry Bound for NYC

Seized in Kentucky, the packages include fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Chanel, and Fendi jewelry.

Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las Vegas

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Stock image of a judge’s gavel
CrimeApr 20, 2026
Queens Man Convicted in Bludgeoning Death of Pawn Shop Owner

Rodolfo Lopez-Portillo faces 25 years to life in prison after being found guilty in the March 2022 beating death of Arasb Shoughi.

Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems Book Cover
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book

“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.

Savannah Convention Center
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the Road

The AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.

lvajws image 1.jpg
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the Globe

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

Mike McMullen and Adrienne Gernand
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business Officer

The jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.

Oscar Heyman Multi-Colored Tourmaline and Diamond Flower Necklace
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026

Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.

QVC Group logo
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.

Edina Kiss Devil Drop Earrings
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your Shoulder

The “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.

Stock image of gold bars
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of Gold

The alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.

Cartier Roadster
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the Roadster

The “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.

Edge Retail Academy Ellen Gardner, Jennifer Motes, Mona Lisa Shaffer, Cindi Haddad Drew
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership Team

As demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.

Stuller Mountings 2026-2027 Catalog
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out Now

The “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.

Screenshots of Episode 4 of the “My Next Question” podcast
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond Dilemma

Sally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.

Randy McKenzie of Spark Creations
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72

McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Watch
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026

Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Pomellato Nudo blue topaz necklaces
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle Continues

The luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.

Diamond Divas
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award

“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.

Model wearing Bulgari Vimini necklace and earrings
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East Conflict

Plus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.

International Jade Summit
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to Monterey

Presented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.

Continental Buying Group
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas Show

The group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.

Uniform Object Carbon Form Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’

The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.

Jewelers of America
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative Applications

The program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.

Coconut Grove Miami
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in Miami

The jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy