Are Lab Grown Diamonds Graded by GIA?
If you’ve ever admired a diamond, you’ve likely wondered what makes it so captivating. The sparkle, the precision, the way it catches the light—these qualities aren’t accidental. They’re the result of careful craftsmanship and something even more important: grading.
For those exploring lab grown diamonds, a common question comes up:
Are lab grown diamonds graded by GIA?
Yes, they are. And knowing how GIA grading works is one of the best ways to understand a diamond’s value—and choose one with confidence.
At Plateau Jewelers in Sammamish, WA, we help you navigate the details of both natural and lab grown diamonds. Whether you’re choosing your first engagement ring or upgrading a stone you already love, understanding how diamonds are graded—and why it matters—is essential.
What Is Diamond Grading?
Diamond grading is the detailed evaluation of a diamond’s most important qualities: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—also known as the 4Cs. It’s a professional, standardized way of defining what makes one diamond different from another, and why certain stones are more valuable.
Grading allows you to:
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Compare diamonds on equal footing
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Understand how quality affects appearance
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Shop with greater transparency and confidence
And when it comes to grading authority, no name carries more weight than the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).
Yes—GIA Grades Lab Grown Diamonds
The GIA, long recognized as the most trusted diamond grading authority, offers full grading reports for lab grown diamonds, using the same rigorous standards applied to natural diamonds.
These reports are not simplified. They include detailed grading of:
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Cut – How well the diamond reflects light
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Color – From colorless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z)
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Clarity – The number, size, and placement of internal and surface characteristics
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Carat Weight – The diamond’s exact weight
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Growth Method – Whether the diamond was created through HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)
Each report also includes a laser inscription on the diamond’s girdle that identifies it as laboratory grown—reinforcing its traceable origin and authenticity.
What GIA Grading Means for Lab Grown Diamonds
For lab grown diamonds, GIA certification is your proof—of identity, quality, and value. It tells you that the diamond has been evaluated by an independent, world-renowned authority, not just claimed as high-quality by a retailer.
GIA grading:
Confirms the diamond is real (lab grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds)
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Provides a clear report of its 4Cs
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Discloses its origin and growth method
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Includes a permanent identification mark
At Plateau Jewelers, we carry GIA-graded lab grown diamonds because we believe that clarity on paper supports clarity in the stone—and in your decision.
Why Grading Builds Trust in Lab Grown Diamonds
With natural diamonds, part of the mystique is their rarity. With lab grown diamonds, what adds confidence is traceability and transparency.
A GIA-graded lab grown diamond gives you both:
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A full report, so you know exactly what you're getting
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Verified quality, independently assessed—not just labeled by the seller
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An origin story, clearly stated in the report
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The reassurance that it meets global standards, not vague claims
This is why GIA certification is more than a formality. It’s the reason you can trust what you’re buying, whether it’s your first diamond or your fifth.
How GIA Grading Differs Between Natural and Lab Grown Diamonds
While the 4Cs grading system remains the same, GIA distinguishes lab grown diamonds in the following ways:
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The report is titled “Laboratory-Grown Diamond Report”
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The diamond is laser-inscribed to identify it as lab grown
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The report includes the growth method used (HPHT or CVD)
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This distinction isn’t about quality—it’s about transparency. You’ll see exactly how the diamond performs, how it was created, and how it compares to others.
At Plateau Jewelers, we help clients read and understand these reports—so you can see the full story of the diamond you’re choosing.
A Smart Step for a Meaningful Diamond
Choosing a lab grown diamond is a decision rooted in modern beauty, value, and innovation. And with GIA grading, it’s also a decision rooted in credibility.
For many of our clients, lab grown diamonds open the door to larger carat sizes or higher clarity grades within their budget—without compromising on trust or elegance. A GIA certificate ensures you’re making that choice with complete clarity.
Explore Graded Lab Grown Diamonds at Plateau Jewelers
If you're ready to explore the brilliance of GIA-graded lab grown diamonds, we're here to help. At Plateau Jewelers, we offer a curated selection of certified stones and provide expert, down-to-earth guidance in our Sammamish showroom.
Visit us in Sammamish, WA