GIA Is Changing How Lab-Grown Diamonds Are Graded — What It Means for Buyers
In a big shift for the entire diamond industry, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) recently changed how it grades lab grown diamonds. As of 2025, GIA will no longer use its famous 4Cs system (cut, color, clarity, carat) for lab-grown stones. Instead, they’ll be labeled more simply as “premium” or “standard.”
So what does this change mean if you’re shopping for a diamond — especially one with beauty, significance, and lasting value?
Let’s walk through it.
Why the 4Cs Don’t Quite Fit for Lab Diamonds
The 4Cs diamond grading system was created by GIA in the 1950s to help standardize how we evaluate natural diamonds. And more importantly, it helped buyers easily determine the quality of a stone. Unless you're a gemologist, to the naked eye, diamonds of different grades could look almost identical. The grading system helped them choose what best fit their needs, and explained why some stones were more valuable than others.
And it made sense: natural stones form deep in the earth over millions of years, and no two are exactly alike.
Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are made in labs in just a few weeks using high-tech processes. They’re still real diamonds, chemically and optically identical, but they’re created synthetically, and are not nearly as rare as natural diamonds. Also, most lab diamonds fall within a narrow range of color and clarity, which means ultra-detailed grading often isn’t all that helpful.
How GIA Grades Lab Grown Diamonds in 2025
Starting in 2025, the GIA will stop issuing full 4Cs reports for lab-created stones. Instead, lab grown diamonds will be graded using broader categories:
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Premium – High-quality lab diamonds
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Standard – Still beautiful, but slightly lower in quality
If a lab diamond doesn’t meet these levels, it won’t receive a grade at all. Each GIA lab grown diamond report will also include a laser inscription for authenticity.
This helps draw a clearer line between natural vs lab grown diamonds, and keeps the original purpose of the 4Cs intact — for grading rare, earth-formed diamonds.
Why This Change Matters for Buyers
If you’re exploring diamond optionsm whether for an engagement ring or an everyday heirloom piece, this shift makes things easier to understand:
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It simplifies diamond grading for lab stones, so you're not overpaying based on minor differences.
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It protects the integrity of natural diamonds, which remain one-of-a-kind and more likely to hold long-term value.
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It helps shoppers make more informed choices between lab diamonds and natural ones.
Lab Grown vs Natural Diamonds: What’s the Difference?
💎 Lab Grown Diamonds
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Real diamonds, created in a lab
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Graded as premium or standard (as of 2025)
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Typically cost 40–70% less than natural diamonds
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Do not hold the same resale or heirloom value
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May be appealing for affordability and sustainability
🪨 Natural Diamonds
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Formed in the earth over millions of years
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Graded using the full 4Cs by GIA
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Valued for rarity, heritage, and long-term worth
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Often passed down through generations
So, Should You Buy a Lab Grown Diamond?
Short answer: it depends. If you’re drawn to affordability or the idea of a lower-impact diamond, lab grown may be a great option. But if you’re looking for something with rarity, history, and long-term significance, then natural diamonds still reign surpreme.
We love both at Nova Lita — and we think clarity (pun intended) is key. GIA’s new approach to lab diamond certification makes it easier for you to shop confidently, knowing exactly what you’re getting.
FAQs: GIA Lab Grown Diamond Grading
Does GIA grade lab grown diamonds?
Yes. As of 2025, GIA provides lab diamond grading reports that categorize diamonds as “premium” or “standard,” without using the traditional 4Cs.
Are lab diamonds real?
Absolutely. Lab diamonds are real diamonds, just grown in a lab instead of the earth.
Do lab diamonds hold their value?
Lab diamonds tend to depreciate more quickly than natural ones and typically don’t hold resale or heirloom value.
Is GIA lab diamond certification different from natural diamond reports?
Yes. Natural diamonds still receive a full 4Cs report. Lab diamonds now receive a simplified quality label instead.
Final Thoughts from Nova Lita
At Nova Lita, we care about transparency, craftsmanship, and helping you make choices that feel good. While we mostly carry natural diamonds, since our pieces are often vintage and heirloom quality. From time to time, and for custom pieces, we are happy to use lab grown diamonds as well.