Lab-GrownAug 04, 2020
AGS Labs Resumes Grading of Lab-Grown DiamondsLab-GrownAug 13, 2020
GIA Is Changing Its Lab-Grown Diamond Grading Reports Again
Starting in Q4, the lab will use the same color and clarity terms as it does for natural diamonds.
Beginning in Q4, GIA will use standard color and clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds. GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses said the change will “provide more precision for the trade and will educate consumers.” (Photo credit: GIA)
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America will begin grading lab-grown diamonds using the same specific color and clarity grades it applies to natural diamonds.
The lab made the announcement Wednesday, citing the “growing acceptance in the trade and by consumers of laboratory-grown diamonds as a distinct category” as the reason for altering a practice it has used since it first began grading man-made diamonds in 2007.
The change will apply to grading reports for both colorless/near-colorless and colored lab-grown diamonds.
Reports for both will still have a statement that the graded stone may have been treated post-growth to change its color, and all lab-grown diamonds the GIA grades will be inscribed with the report number and the words “laboratory-grown.”
The reports will be digital only and replace the lab’s current Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report.
GIA updated the report just last year, dropping the word “synthetic” but still opting not to use the same terms as it does for natural diamonds.
“Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds co-exist today, accepted by both consumers and the trade. We believe the growth of laboratory-grown diamonds will expand the overall diamond market and bring in new customers,” President and CEO Susan Jacques said in a press release announcing the change.
“Ensuring consumers’ trust with GIA’s reliable, independent and authoritative grading reports for all diamonds benefits the public and the entire gem and jewelry industry.”
Related stories will be right here …
The lab made the announcement Wednesday, citing the “growing acceptance in the trade and by consumers of laboratory-grown diamonds as a distinct category” as the reason for altering a practice it has used since it first began grading man-made diamonds in 2007.
The change will apply to grading reports for both colorless/near-colorless and colored lab-grown diamonds.
Reports for both will still have a statement that the graded stone may have been treated post-growth to change its color, and all lab-grown diamonds the GIA grades will be inscribed with the report number and the words “laboratory-grown.”
The reports will be digital only and replace the lab’s current Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report.
GIA updated the report just last year, dropping the word “synthetic” but still opting not to use the same terms as it does for natural diamonds.
“Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds co-exist today, accepted by both consumers and the trade. We believe the growth of laboratory-grown diamonds will expand the overall diamond market and bring in new customers,” President and CEO Susan Jacques said in a press release announcing the change.
“Ensuring consumers’ trust with GIA’s reliable, independent and authoritative grading reports for all diamonds benefits the public and the entire gem and jewelry industry.”
The new laboratory-grown diamond grading service is set to launch in the fourth quarter.
It will include the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report (4Cs assessment, a plotted clarity diagram and a proportions diagram) for stones that are 0.15 carats and up, and the lower-priced Laboratory-Grown Diamond Dossier (4Cs assessment and a proportions diagram only) for smaller diamonds, 0.15 to 1.99 carats.
The reports will cost the same as those GIA issues for natural diamonds but will have a unique design and format to differentiate them.
It will include the GIA Laboratory-Grown Diamond Grading Report (4Cs assessment, a plotted clarity diagram and a proportions diagram) for stones that are 0.15 carats and up, and the lower-priced Laboratory-Grown Diamond Dossier (4Cs assessment and a proportions diagram only) for smaller diamonds, 0.15 to 1.99 carats.
The reports will cost the same as those GIA issues for natural diamonds but will have a unique design and format to differentiate them.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
