FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
Lab-GrownOct 15, 2020
GIA’s New Reports for Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Out
They include the same color and clarity terminology the lab uses for natural diamonds, a change announced earlier this year.
The new LGDR by GIA grading reports are for lab-grown diamonds and utilize the same color and clarity grading scales the lab applies to natural stones. There are four different reports in the LGDR by GIA family, and they’re only available digitally. (Photo credit: GIA)
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America just rolled out its new reports for lab-grown diamonds, which use the same color and clarity grading terminology the lab has long applied to natural diamonds.
Branded as LGDR by GIA, the lab has created a total of four reports for lab-grown diamonds, two for colorless or near-colorless stones and two for colored diamonds.
The reports are digital-only, and each one has a QR code that links to a lab-grown diamond education page on the GIA website.
There is the:
— Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report, which has the 4Cs color and clarity specifications, and plotted clarity and proportions diagrams; it is for D-to-Z lab-grown diamonds 0.15 carats and above;
—Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report-Dossier, a less expensive version of the full report that does not include the plotted clarity diagram; it is for D to Z lab-grown diamonds between 0.15 and 1.99 carats;
—Laboratory-Grown Colored Diamond Report, which has GIA color and clarity specifications, and plotted clarity and proportions diagrams; it is for colored lab-grown diamonds 0.15 carats and above; and
—Laboratory-Grown Colored Diamond Report-Color Identification, a less expensive version of the above that includes color specifications only.
All four reports state which process was used to grow the diamond—chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT)—and whether the stone might have been treated post-growth to improve the color.
GIA started grading lab-grown diamonds in 2007 but, up until this year, had treated the stones differently than natural diamonds.
On its Synthetic Diamond Grading Reports, the lab did not give specific color or clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds, describing them instead as colorless (D-E-F range diamonds) or near colorless (G-H-I range) and applying only four clarity grades—VVS, VS, SI or I—instead of the 11 used for natural diamonds.
It did this, it said, because lab-grown diamonds are created, and usually treated, to have the highest color and clarity possible and thereby don’t exhibit the same range as natural diamonds.
GIA tweaked the reports last year, saying it would drop the word “synthetic” in keeping with the latest FTC guidance, before changing its stance again this year.
The lab announced in August it would begin using specific color and clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds, though it noted in the news release on the reports that using the same terminology for both “does not correlate to nature’s continuum of rarity.”
All lab-grown diamonds GIA grades are laser-inscribed with a report number and the words “Laboratory-Grown.” Diamonds already inscribed with the terms “laboratory-grown,” “laboratory-created,” “man-made,” “synthetic” or “[manufacturer name]-created” get only a report number.
GIA’s lab-grown diamond grading reports cost the same as their natural report equivalents, though they have a distinctive look by design.
The lab has its report prices listed on its website.
Branded as LGDR by GIA, the lab has created a total of four reports for lab-grown diamonds, two for colorless or near-colorless stones and two for colored diamonds.
The reports are digital-only, and each one has a QR code that links to a lab-grown diamond education page on the GIA website.
There is the:
— Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report, which has the 4Cs color and clarity specifications, and plotted clarity and proportions diagrams; it is for D-to-Z lab-grown diamonds 0.15 carats and above;
—Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report-Dossier, a less expensive version of the full report that does not include the plotted clarity diagram; it is for D to Z lab-grown diamonds between 0.15 and 1.99 carats;
—Laboratory-Grown Colored Diamond Report, which has GIA color and clarity specifications, and plotted clarity and proportions diagrams; it is for colored lab-grown diamonds 0.15 carats and above; and
—Laboratory-Grown Colored Diamond Report-Color Identification, a less expensive version of the above that includes color specifications only.
All four reports state which process was used to grow the diamond—chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or high pressure, high temperature (HPHT)—and whether the stone might have been treated post-growth to improve the color.
GIA started grading lab-grown diamonds in 2007 but, up until this year, had treated the stones differently than natural diamonds.
On its Synthetic Diamond Grading Reports, the lab did not give specific color or clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds, describing them instead as colorless (D-E-F range diamonds) or near colorless (G-H-I range) and applying only four clarity grades—VVS, VS, SI or I—instead of the 11 used for natural diamonds.
It did this, it said, because lab-grown diamonds are created, and usually treated, to have the highest color and clarity possible and thereby don’t exhibit the same range as natural diamonds.
GIA tweaked the reports last year, saying it would drop the word “synthetic” in keeping with the latest FTC guidance, before changing its stance again this year.
The lab announced in August it would begin using specific color and clarity grades for lab-grown diamonds, though it noted in the news release on the reports that using the same terminology for both “does not correlate to nature’s continuum of rarity.”
All lab-grown diamonds GIA grades are laser-inscribed with a report number and the words “Laboratory-Grown.” Diamonds already inscribed with the terms “laboratory-grown,” “laboratory-created,” “man-made,” “synthetic” or “[manufacturer name]-created” get only a report number.
GIA’s lab-grown diamond grading reports cost the same as their natural report equivalents, though they have a distinctive look by design.
The lab has its report prices listed on its website.
More on Lab-Grown
The Latest
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Weekly QuizSep 03, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
