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.
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
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.
