Spectrum’s “Best of Show” honors went to a 101-carat Paraiba carved to look like Medusa that has a magnet-activated LED light.
GIA Examines 5- and 10-Carat Lab-Grown Diamonds
The laboratory said the 5.19-carat diamond represents a “significant milestone” in CVD diamond growing.

Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America recently examined two large lab-grown diamonds submitted to its Hong Kong lab, one of which represents a “significant milestone” in diamond growing.
In a research article authored by Billie “Pui Lai” Law and Wuyi Wang, the GIA said it recently examined a 5.19-carat diamond grown using the chemical vapor deposition process.
The stone, which is J-equivalent color and VS2-equivalent clarity, is the largest CVD-grown diamond examined by the lab to date, and the largest ever reported in the jewelry industry.
Breaking the 5-carat barrier is a “significant milestone” for CVD technology, which has been producing bigger diamonds in recent years, a trend that’s expected to continue.
As the GIA noted, “As diamond growth techniques continue to advance, we expect to see more high-quality samples, both in size and clarity.”
The article also stated that the 5.19-carat diamond was submitted to the lab without proper disclosure.
However, the GIA was able to identify it as a CVD synthetic using its standard screening and testing processes, though the lab noted that black inclusions, which often are contained in synthetic diamonds, were not found in this CVD diamond, meaning it could have been mistaken as a mined diamond if only microscopic examination was used.
The identification of this lab-grown diamond “highlights the importance of using advanced spectroscopic instruments as well as conventional gemological techniques to ensure an accurate identification,” the GIA said.
The second article, authored by Wang and Terry “Ping Yu” Poon, discussed the examination of a 10.08-carat blue diamond grown by St. Petersburg, Russia-based New Diamond Technology. NDT is the same company that grew the 5.03-carat blue diamond examined by the GIA’s New York laboratory earlier this year.
Grown using the high-pressure, high-temperature method and disclosed as a synthetic diamond by NDT, the stone is the largest HPHT-grown diamond recorded to date.
The GIA said the emerald-cut stone has a color grade equivalent to fancy deep blue.
The Latest


Our Halloween Pieces of the Week are four “Eye” pendants, each set with colorful gemstones.

Alexis Hoopes expanded eBay’s “Authenticity Guarantee” program during her tenure.

A Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.

The Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.


Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.

Cahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.

Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.

Tiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.

For her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.

Jaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.

Consumer confidence remains on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years, said a Conference Board economist.

The holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.

The “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.

Solomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.

The fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.

The annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

In her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.

The jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.

Vote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.

The closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.

The ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.

The website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.

Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.

Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.

Bespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.

The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.




















