Lab-grown diamonds offer a sustainable, ethical, and affordable alternative to traditional mined diamonds. As their popularity increases, the importance of accurate grading and certification becomes paramount. In this article, we will explore how lab grown diamonds London are graded and certified.
Grading of Lab-Grown Diamonds
The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) has established standards for diamond grading and is recognized as the industry leader in diamond grading. The GIA also grades lab-grown diamonds according to the same standards as mined diamonds. The 4Cs – colour, clarity, cut, and carat weight – are used to assess a lab grown diamonds Sydney quality.
Colour
Colour is one of the most important factors in determining a diamond’s value. The GIA grades the colour of diamonds on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow). Lab-grown diamonds are often more affordable than mined diamonds because they typically have less colour, which means they can be graded higher on the colour scale.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond refers to the presence of internal inclusions or external blemishes. The GIA uses a 6-point clarity grading system to evaluate diamonds, with the highest grade being “flawless” (no visible inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification) and the lowest grade being “included” (inclusions that are visible to the naked eye).
Lab-grown diamonds tend to have fewer inclusions than mined diamonds because they are grown in a controlled environment. This means that lab-grown diamonds can often achieve a higher clarity grade than mined diamonds of the same size and shape.
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. The GIA evaluates the cut of a diamond based on three criteria: brightness (the amount of light reflected from the diamond), fire (the dispersion of light into its spectral colours), and scintillation (the sparkle of light as the diamond is moved).
A well-cut diamond will display maximum brightness, fire, and scintillation. The GIA grades the cut of a diamond on a scale from “excellent” to “poor.” It is important to note that the cut grade can have a significant impact on a diamond’s overall appearance and value.
Carat Weight
Carat weight refers to the weight of a diamond and is often used as a measure of a diamond’s size. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams. The value of a diamond increases exponentially with its carat weight because larger diamonds are rarer and more difficult to find.
Certification of Lab-Grown Diamonds
To ensure that their lab-grown diamonds are accurately graded, many manufacturers send their diamonds to independent gemmological laboratories for certification. Some of the most reputable laboratories include the GIA, International Gemmological Institute (IGI), and Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA).
Lab-grown diamond certifications typically include a detailed description of the diamond’s 4Cs, as well as information about its dimensions, shape, and fluorescence (the degree to which a diamond emits visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation). Certifications may also include details about any treatments or enhancements that were applied to the diamond during the manufacturing process.
Some manufacturers may also offer in-house grading reports, but it is important to note that these reports may not be as impartial as those issued by independent labs. Consumers should always look for diamonds that have been certified by a reputable third-party lab to ensure the accuracy of their grading.
Conclusion
The grading and certification of lab-grown diamonds is an important aspect of the diamond industry. The GIA is the leading authority on diamond grading standards and has established guidelines for the grading of both mined and lab-grown diamonds. Independent gemmological laboratories play a crucial role in providing accurate certifications of lab-grown diamonds, giving consumer’s peace of mind and assurance that the diamond they are purchasing is of high-quality and accurately graded. As lab-grown diamonds continue to gain popularity, their grading and certification will become increasingly important in ensuring their place in the jewellery industry.
