How Are Emerald Lab Grown Diamonds Graded and Certified?

Emerald lab grown diamonds are becoming increasingly popular in the jewelry industry due to their eco-friendly and sustainable nature. These diamonds are created in a laboratory setting using advanced technology that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds are formed. However, despite being man-made, lab grown diamonds are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds, making them a great alternative for those looking for a more ethical and affordable option.

Grading Process

The first step in the grading process of emerald lab grown diamonds is to determine their quality and characteristics. This involves evaluating the 4Cs of diamonds – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions and symmetry, which greatly impacts its brilliance and sparkle. The color of a diamond is graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), with colorless diamonds being the most valuable. Clarity measures the presence of any internal or external flaws, while carat weight simply indicates the size of the diamond.

Certification Process

Once the grading process is complete, emerald lab grown diamonds are then sent to a third-party gemological laboratory for certification. These independent labs assess the quality and authenticity of the diamonds, ensuring that they meet industry standards. The most well-known gemological laboratories include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and American Gem Society (AGS). These certifications provide buyers with peace of mind that they are purchasing a genuine and high-quality lab grown diamond.

Grading Criteria

The grading criteria used for emerald lab grown diamonds are the same as those used for natural diamonds. The GIA is considered the gold standard in diamond grading and uses a strict set of guidelines to evaluate diamonds. When it comes to color, the GIA grades lab grown diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), taking into account hue, tone, and saturation. Clarity is assessed based on the presence of inclusions and blemishes, with diamonds being graded on a scale from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye).

Certification Process

Once the grading process is complete, emerald lab grown diamonds are then sent to a third-party gemological laboratory for certification. These independent labs assess the quality and authenticity of the diamonds, ensuring that they meet industry standards. The most well-known gemological laboratories include the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), and American Gem Society (AGS). These certifications provide buyers with peace of mind that they are purchasing a genuine and high-quality lab grown diamond.

Certification Importance

Having a certified lab grown diamond is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that the diamond has been evaluated by an unbiased and expert third party, providing buyers with an accurate assessment of its quality. Secondly, certification acts as a proof of authenticity, as it details the diamond’s 4Cs and any other relevant information. Lastly, certification can also increase the resale value of the diamond, as it provides potential buyers with confidence in the diamond's quality and provenance.