When shopping for diamonds, whether natural or lab grown, certification is crucial. It provides confidence in the diamond’s quality, ensuring you know exactly what you're buying. But how does the certification process for lab grown diamonds work? Are lab grown diamonds graded the same way as natural diamonds? And what should you look for in a diamond certification?
What Does Diamond Certification Mean?
A diamond certification, or grading report, is a document issued by a gemological laboratory. It provides detailed information about the diamond’s characteristics, including:
-
Cut
-
Colour
-
Clarity
-
Carat weight
Certification ensures that the diamond’s quality has been evaluated by an independent, unbiased professional. This is essential for transparency and helps buyers make informed decisions.
Are Lab Grown Diamonds Certified?
Yes, lab grown diamonds are certified! Just like natural diamonds, they undergo a detailed grading process by reputable gemological laboratories. Certification confirms that a diamond is lab grown and provides a full analysis of its 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat).
It’s important to note that while lab grown diamonds and natural diamonds are graded on the same criteria, lab grown diamonds are typically labeled as 'laboratory grown' or 'synthetic' on their certificates. This distinction ensures full transparency and makes it clear how the diamond was created.
The Role of IGI in Lab Grown Diamond Certification
We use the International Gemological Institute (IGI) to certify our lab grown diamonds. IGI is one of the most respected gemological laboratories in the world, known to grade more lab grown diamonds than any other!
The IGI grading report includes:
-
Identification as lab grown: IGI states that the diamond was grown in a laboratory.
-
4Cs grading: A full breakdown of the diamond’s cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
-
Laser inscription: Many lab grown diamonds are laser inscribed on the girdle with a unique identification number, which matches the certification. This ensures traceability and authenticity.
We ensure that our clients receive lab grown diamonds that meet the highest standards of quality and certification.
How Are Lab Grown Diamonds Graded?
The grading process for lab grown diamonds follows the same principles as natural diamonds. Here’s how the 4Cs are assessed:
Cut
The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted to reflect light. A high-quality cut maximises brilliance and sparkle. IGI grades the cut on a scale from excellent to poor.
Colour
Color grading measures how colourless a diamond is. For white diamonds, the scale ranges from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). IGI uses the same scale for both natural and lab grown diamonds.
Clarity
Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (external flaws). Lab grown diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than natural diamonds, as they are created in a controlled environment. IGI grades clarity from flawless (no visible inclusions) to included (visible inclusions).
Carat Weight
Carat weight is the measurement of a diamond’s weight. This is the same for lab grown and natural diamonds, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams.
Why Certification Matters for Lab Grown Diamonds
-
Transparency: Certification ensures that you’re fully informed about the diamond’s characteristics. Without a grading report, it’s difficult to verify the quality or authenticity of a diamond.
-
Trust: Purchasing a certified lab grown diamond from a reputable jeweller builds trust. You can be confident that your diamond has been evaluated by an independent laboratory.
-
Resale value: If you ever decide to sell your diamond, certification provides proof of its quality and authenticity.
When it comes to lab grown diamonds, certification is more than a formality - it’s a guarantee of exceptional quality. Our carefully curated collection features only the finest lab grown diamonds, each backed by IGI certification, so you can feel confident that your diamond is the real deal.