CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
GradingNov 14, 2017
GIA Reports Finding Lab-Grown Diamond with Fake Inscription
The number on the girdle matched that of a report for a mined diamond.
The Gemological Institute of America said that the 1.76-carat diamond pictured at left was submitted with a fraudulent GIA inscription that matches an actual GIA report from 2015 for a natural diamond. The report number has been partially redacted for privacy reasons. (Photos courtesy of GIA/Photo credit: Troy Ardon)
Carlsbad, Calif.--In the latest issue of Gems & Gemology, the Gemological Institute of America reported finding a man-made diamond inscribed with a report number matching a mined diamond.
The article, authored by Christopher M. Breeding and Troy Ardon, states that the stone in question came through the lab’s Carlsbad facility.
A client, whom the GIA did not identify in the article, submitted the diamond for an updated grading report because they “noticed inconsistencies” with the GIA report information, the article states.
The diamond was inscribed with the number of a GIA report issued in 2015. That report was for a natural, untreated diamond graded as 1.74 carats, round brilliant cut, D color, Excellent cut grade and VVS1 clarity.
But when graders looked at the stone, the article states they found it was a round brilliant with Excellent cut grade but 1.76 carats, with F color and VS1 clarity.
Moreover, the GIA’s screening processes--which are done on every stone to determine if it is natural, treated, lab grown or a simulant--indicated that the diamond needed additional testing to determine its origin.
Examination with the DiamondView machine showed that the submitted stone was not a natural diamond but was grown using the high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) process.
The article also states that the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectra showed that the natural diamond from the original report--the one that matches the report number inscribed on the girdle of the man-made stone--was Type IA (about 95 percent of natural diamonds are this type) with aggregated nitrogen impurities, while the newly submitted diamond was Type IIb with boron impurities.
In addition, the GIA said upon closer examination, the font used for the number inscribed on the diamond’s girdle was different from the one used by GIA.
When asked if the GIA was investigating the source and scope of this fraudulent inscription, the lab said: “While we are aware of reports of fraudulent inscriptions, we rarely encounter this type of blatant fraud.”
The lab added that the stone was returned to the submitting client, which, it reiterated, was the one that noticed inconsistences with the GIA report information and sent in the diamond for an updated report.
In the article, the GIA advises members of the trade with any doubt about some aspect of a diamond to send it to a gem lab for verification.
More on Grading
The Latest
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
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.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Weekly QuizJul 01, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
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.
SurveysJul 08, 2026
Signet Jewelers Falls 5 Spots on NRF’s ‘Top 100’ Retailers ListPlus, why retailers should be ready to adjust as the U.S. population may decline this year for the first time since the Great Depression.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
Events & AwardsJul 02, 2026
Stratus Estate Buyers Offers Jewelers Turnkey Buying EventsIts team can evaluate jewelry and watches, as well as luxury handbags, artwork, and collectibles.
SurveysJul 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JuneFalling oil prices were a factor in the slight month-over-month improvement.
CollectionsJul 01, 2026
Rio Grande Launches First Finished Bridal CollectionThe new offering comprises more than 120 bridal and engagement ring styles with natural and lab-grown diamonds.
