Why GIA’s New Lab Diamond Reports Aren’t a Big Deal — And What Actually Matters

GIA has decided to streamline its grading reports for lab-grown diamonds. Rather than assigning traditional colour and clarity grades (e.g., D-F, VS1), the new format will group diamonds into broader categories such as “premium” or “standard.”

Why the change? GIA has stated that most lab-grown diamonds on the market already fall into the higher-quality D-F, VS+ range. The new system is designed to speed up reporting and lower the cost of certification—an efficiency move more than anything else.

It’s still unclear how the new format will be reflected—whether full details will be available online only, or also on printed reports. What is clear is that this shift isn’t about quality—it’s about how that quality is communicated.

While GIA has only relatively recently started certifying lab-grown diamonds, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) was the first major laboratory to embrace them. As a result, IGI has become the industry’s gold standard for lab-grown grading, offering robust, transparent, and consistent reporting trusted by jewellers and clients alike.

IGI reports continue to include full colour and clarity grading, with no signs of reducing that detail or changing their format. Their long-standing expertise in the lab-grown space gives them an edge when it comes to accuracy, consistency, and trust.

At Fyne, we primarily use IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds of the highest quality—typically D-F colour and VVS clarity. IGI has led the way in this space, and the majority of lab-grown diamonds globally are still certified by IGI today.

However, we also understand that some clients may prefer GIA certification, and we’re happy to source GIA-certified stones on request—particularly for bespoke pieces. Our goal is always to provide you with peace of mind, whether you’re guided by personal preference or professional familiarity.

Not really. This change in GIA’s reporting is a logistical shift, not a statement on quality. It reflects internal efficiencies and strategic positioning—perhaps even a subtle way to preserve the narrative around mined diamonds.

For you, the client, nothing about your diamond’s brilliance, beauty, or value has changed.

Whether it’s an IGI or GIA-certified diamond, we ensure every stone is ethically sourced, precisely graded, and transparently represented.