GIA will introduce a new grading system for lab-grown diamonds from Oct. 1. Learn how “premium” and “standard” classifications work, fees, and submission rules.
GIA has announced major changes to its grading system for lab-grown diamonds. The update takes effect on October 1.
Why the change?
According to GIA’s president and CEO, Pritesh Patel, most lab-grown diamonds fall into a narrow range of quality. Using the same terms as natural diamonds no longer makes sense.
From October, lab-grown diamonds in the D–Z color range will be classified as either premium or standard.
Premium Criteria
To be graded as premium, a lab-grown diamond must meet all of these:
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Clarity: Very, very slightly included (VVS) or higher
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Color: D
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Polish: Excellent
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Symmetry: Excellent
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Cut (round brilliant only): Excellent
Standard Criteria
A lab-grown diamond will be classified as standard if it meets these:
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Clarity: Very slightly included (VS)
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Color: E to J
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Polish: Very good
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Symmetry: Very good (good allowed for fancy shapes)
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Cut (round brilliant only): Very good
Diamonds that don’t meet at least the standard level will not receive a grading.
Fees and Submission Details
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Assessment fee: $15 per carat (minimum $15)
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Non-qualifying stones: $5 evaluation fee
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Minimum weight: 0.15 carat
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Inscription: Each stone will be laser-marked with “laboratory-grown” and a GIA quality number
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Document: Printed evaluation results will be provided
What This Means for You
If you deal in lab-grown diamonds, this change will directly affect your inventory.
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Do your stones qualify as premium or standard?
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Will customers see more value in a premium grade?
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How will this impact pricing in your market?
The new GIA system could shift how buyers compare lab-grown diamonds with natural ones. As a seller, you may need to rethink how you present and price your stones.
GIA is changing how it grades lab-grown diamonds. Starting Oct. 1, stones will be classified as either premium or standard instead of using natural diamond terms. Premium requires the highest grades in clarity, color, cut, polish, and symmetry. Standard covers a wider range. Diamonds below standard will not be graded. Fees start at $15 per carat.
