Lab-grown diamond education
A few clear questions can help you choose lab-grown diamond jewellery with confidence.
What is a lab-grown diamond?
A lab-grown diamond is a diamond created through a technological process rather than formed underground. It has essentially the same chemical composition and physical and optical properties as a natural diamond. It is different from diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia and moissanite. Learn more from GIA's guide to lab-grown diamonds and simulants.
Understanding the 4Cs
- Carat: a measure of diamond weight. A stone's shape and proportions also affect how large it looks.
- Cut: how a diamond has been fashioned, including its proportions and finish, which influence its interaction with light. Shape, such as oval or round, is a separate choice.
- Colour: describes colour in the diamond. On the D-to-Z scale, D is colourless; coloured diamonds require different consideration.
- Clarity: describes internal and surface characteristics. A grade is useful information, but also ask how the actual stone looks.
Reading our options
Check the selected variant for gold purity, metal colour, stone size and any stated colour or clarity specification. For designs with several diamonds, ask whether the listed carat weight refers to one stone or the total. Earring listings marked as a single piece are priced for one earring, not a pair.
Grading reports
Ask which report, if any, accompanies your selected stone or jewellery before ordering. Report formats vary by laboratory and date. GIA's current lab-grown diamond service uses an overall Premium or Standard assessment. Read about GIA's laboratory-grown diamond assessment and IGI's grading services. A grading report describes a stone; it is not a promise of future resale value.
Questions to ask before buying
- What exact stone and metal specifications am I choosing?
- Is this a single earring or a pair?
- Is a grading report included for this selection?
- What are the estimated production and delivery dates?
- What sizing, engraving or custom changes need to be agreed?