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.
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.”
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.
The Latest
Why do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
The “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
The annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
Owner David Mann is heading into retirement.
While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
The company’s Easton location will remain open.
Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.