Why Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Graded, and How Did It Begin?
Lab-grown diamonds are scientifically identical to mined diamonds, possessing the same physical, chemical, and optical properties. As these gemstones grew in popularity, the need for standardized grading became essential to help consumers make informed decisions, ensure transparency, and establish trust in their quality.
Why Did Lab-Grown Diamonds Start Being Graded?
Consumer Confidence:
With their rise in popularity, many buyers were curious about how lab-grown diamonds compared to mined diamonds. Grading systems help buyers understand the quality of the stone, using consistent metrics like the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.
Market Demand:
As the market for lab-grown diamonds expanded, buyers and jewelers demanded certifications comparable to those for mined diamonds. Grading ensures that lab-grown diamonds are judged by the same rigorous standards.
Legitimizing Lab-Grown Diamonds:
When lab-grown diamonds first entered the market, they faced skepticism from traditional diamond buyers. Grading by respected institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) lent credibility to lab-grown diamonds, demonstrating that they are authentic and of equal quality to mined stones.
Transparency in Pricing:
Grading created a clear framework for pricing lab-grown diamonds. By providing certifications, the value of each stone became more transparent, making it easier for buyers to compare options.
How Did Lab-Grown Diamonds Start Getting Graded?
Early Days of Lab-Grown Diamonds:
In the early 2000s, as technology for creating high-quality lab-grown diamonds advanced, the jewelry industry recognized the need to differentiate them from simulants like cubic zirconia. By using the same grading standards as mined diamonds, labs like IGI and GIA began issuing certifications.
Changes in Grading Standards:
Initially, institutions like the GIA hesitated to grade lab-grown diamonds. However, as these diamonds became indistinguishable from mined stones without specialized equipment, grading labs adapted. By the mid-2010s, most gemological institutions began grading lab-grown diamonds on the same scale as mined diamonds.
GIA’s Shift in Policy:
The GIA, which initially used separate terminology for lab-grown diamonds, announced in 2019 that it would grade lab-grown diamonds the same way as mined ones. This marked a significant milestone in recognizing their equivalence.
What This Means for Éternité Diamonds Buyers
At Éternité Diamonds, every lab-grown diamond comes with a grading report from a respected gemological lab like IGI or GIA. This ensures:
• Transparency: You’ll know exactly what you’re buying.
• Quality Assurance: Our diamonds are graded to the highest standards, just like mined diamonds.
• Value for Money: With clear grading, you can confidently compare and find the perfect diamond for your budget.
Lab-grown diamonds are no longer a niche product—they’re the future of the diamond industry. At Éternité Diamonds, we’re proud to provide certified, high-quality diamonds that are ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable.
Explore our collection today and experience the brilliance of certified lab-grown diamonds!