The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is once again changing how it reports on lab-grown diamonds—this time by simplifying terminology and ditching the traditional color and clarity grading system.
📌 What’s New?
Starting later this year, GIA will stop assigning specific color and clarity grades to lab-grown diamonds. Instead, each stone will be assessed and placed into one of two categories:
✨ Premium
✨ Standard
If a diamond doesn't meet the minimum standard, it won’t get a designation at all.
📉 Why the Change?
GIA cites the narrow range of color and clarity among lab-grown diamonds due to advancing production technology. In fact, since 2022:
- 95% of lab diamonds were colorless (D, E, or F)
- 98% had clarity grades of VS1 or better
🧠 Tom Moses, GIA’s EVP & Chief Lab Officer, noted:
“Because of the tight consistency in man-made diamonds, traditional grading used for natural stones no longer applies.”
🔁 Back to Basics
This change marks a return to broader descriptors, similar to GIA's initial 2006 grading approach. That early system labeled stones as “colorless,” “near colorless,” etc., rather than offering exact grades.
📋 What’s Next?
GIA is still finalizing pricing and submission rules for this updated grading system. More information will be released in Q3.
📌 Important Notes:
- Current GIA reports for lab-grown diamonds remain valid
- Carat and cut grading may remain unchanged
- The name of the new report format is still TBD
📅 Stay tuned as GIA redefines the way lab-grown diamonds are evaluated in 2025!