HOW ARE LAB-CREATED DIAMONDS CERTIFIED AND GRADED?
Lab-created diamonds are graded and certified using the same process as mined diamonds.
Diamonds are sent to a gem lab that specializes in grading diamonds. The majority of these labs grade using the 4c’s (cut, clarity, color, and carat — more on those later), however, a select few use their own criteria.
The most popular diamond certification labs are:
Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
International Gemological Institute (IGI)
European Gemelogical Labratory (EGL)
The lab created diamond grading process is roughly the same for all of the certification labs. Each lab created diamond is graded independently by several gemologists at the lab. The individual grades are compiled and analyzed to determine the final grade.
This process is designed to provide each lab creased diamond with an unbiased grade. However, it’s not uncommon for a lab created diamond to get a different grade, not only from a different lab but from the same lab if sent back for a second grading.
A diamond is evaluated using the 4c’s – cut, clarity, color, and carat. Basically, they judge the diamond on how well it has been cut down from its raw form into a jewel, how flawless and clear it is, and its size.
Below you’ll find an explanation of each category and the different measurements used for each.