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.
Lab-GrownAug 04, 2020
AGS Labs Resumes Grading of Lab-Grown Diamonds
It will use the same color and clarity grading scales that are used for natural diamonds but add a special designation.
A sample of AGS Labs’ new Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report
Las Vegas—AGS Laboratories will once again grade lab-grown diamonds, the organization announced Monday.
The lab stopped offering the service in 2013 due to a lack of demand, Executive Director Jason Quick told National Jeweler.
Now, as demand for man-made stones has picked up, AGS Labs wanted to take a “fresh approach” to the grading report.
The new report for lab-grown diamonds is the result of more than a year of research and development to create one that aligns with AGS Labs’ mission of consumer protection and ensures consumers understand what they’re getting, Quick said.
The lab stopped offering the service in 2013 due to a lack of demand, Executive Director Jason Quick told National Jeweler.
Now, as demand for man-made stones has picked up, AGS Labs wanted to take a “fresh approach” to the grading report.
The new report for lab-grown diamonds is the result of more than a year of research and development to create one that aligns with AGS Labs’ mission of consumer protection and ensures consumers understand what they’re getting, Quick said.
Unlike GIA, AGS is using the standard color and clarity grading scales for lab-grown diamonds but adding “LG” (for “laboratory-grown”) to the grades.
The system is designed to distinguish the grading from natural diamonds while also providing a basis for comparison, Quick said.
For example, a lab-grown diamond could receive an “LG-D” color grade and an “LG-VS1” clarity grade.
The reports also will contain the following statement: “It is important to note that the color and clarity grades do not reflect the rarity of a laboratory-grown diamond, but rather the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process.”
AGS Labs’ lab-grown diamond grading reports also will offer the standard AGS 0 to 10 cut-grade scale, including the AGS Ideal cut grade, but does not utilize the “LG” designation used for color and clarity.
Additionally, the new report will contain a description of the laboratory-grown growth method used.
“We feel like that is important for the consumer to understand the details behind how the laboratory-grown diamond was created,” Quick said.
It will also offer explanations of the differences between the high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes.
AGS Laboratories is starting with a pilot program for the lab-grown diamond reports and will open the service more broadly to the industry later this year.
The Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report will be in a digital form only to start.
It’s a component of Only My Diamond for Laboratory-Grown Diamonds, an interactive online tool featuring additional educational information, including a special section on the 4Cs of man-made diamonds.
When asked if AGS Labs would eventually expand to printed reports, Quick said it will “re-evaluate enhancements throughout the pilot program.”
The system is designed to distinguish the grading from natural diamonds while also providing a basis for comparison, Quick said.
For example, a lab-grown diamond could receive an “LG-D” color grade and an “LG-VS1” clarity grade.
The reports also will contain the following statement: “It is important to note that the color and clarity grades do not reflect the rarity of a laboratory-grown diamond, but rather the quality and consistency of the manufacturing process.”
AGS Labs’ lab-grown diamond grading reports also will offer the standard AGS 0 to 10 cut-grade scale, including the AGS Ideal cut grade, but does not utilize the “LG” designation used for color and clarity.
Additionally, the new report will contain a description of the laboratory-grown growth method used.
“We feel like that is important for the consumer to understand the details behind how the laboratory-grown diamond was created,” Quick said.
It will also offer explanations of the differences between the high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes.
A shot of the Only My Diamond platform, which is where AGS Labs’ Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report is housed
AGS Laboratories is starting with a pilot program for the lab-grown diamond reports and will open the service more broadly to the industry later this year.
The Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report will be in a digital form only to start.
It’s a component of Only My Diamond for Laboratory-Grown Diamonds, an interactive online tool featuring additional educational information, including a special section on the 4Cs of man-made diamonds.
When asked if AGS Labs would eventually expand to printed reports, Quick said it will “re-evaluate enhancements throughout the pilot program.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
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.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
