Certification

What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, also called lab created diamonds or synthetic diamonds, are real diamonds created in controlled laboratory environments. They possess identical physical, chemical, and optical properties to natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable without specialized equipment.

Lab Diamond vs Natural Diamond: The Science

Identical Properties:

• • • • • Chemical composition: Pure carbon (C)
        • Crystal structure: Cubic crystal system
        • Hardness: 10 on Mohs scale
        • Refractive index: 2.42
        • Thermal conductivity: Same as natural diamonds
        • Optical properties: Identical brilliance and fire

Key Differences:

• • • • • Origin: Laboratory vs. earth formation
        • Time to create: Weeks vs. millions of years
        • Environmental impact: Minimal vs. significant mining
        • Price: 30-50% less than natural diamonds
        • Availability: Consistent supply vs. limited natural resources

The 4 Cs of Lab Diamond Quality

1. Carat Weight - Lab Diamond Size

Understanding Carat Weight:

• • • • • 1 carat = 200 milligrams (0.2 grams)
        • Size appearance varies by diamond cut and shape
        • Price increases exponentially with carat weight
        • Popular engagement ring sizes: 0.5-2.0 carats

Carat Weight Categories:

• • • • • Under 0.50ct: Delicate, budget-friendly options
        • 0.50-0.99ct: Popular choice for engagement rings
        • 1.00-1.99ct: Classic, substantial presence
        • 2.00ct+: Statement pieces, luxury category

[Photo placeholder: Size comparison of different carat weights on hands]

2. Cut Grade - Maximizing Lab Diamond Brilliance

Cut Quality Grades:

Excellent Cut (Ideal)

• • • • • Maximum light return and brilliance
        • Perfect proportions for optimal sparkle
        • Premium pricing for superior performance
        • Recommended for engagement rings

Very Good Cut

• • • • • High light return with excellent sparkle
        • Minor proportion variations
        • Great value for quality conscious buyers
        • Suitable for all jewelry types

Good Cut

• • • • • Acceptable light return and appearance
        • Noticeable proportion variations
        • Budget-friendly option
        • Best for smaller accent diamonds

[Photo placeholder: Light return comparison between different cut grades]

3. Color Grade - Lab Diamond Color Scale

GIA Color Grading Scale (D-Z):

Colorless Range (D-F)

• • • • • D Grade: Absolutely colorless, premium pricing
        • E Grade: Colorless, exceptional value
        • F Grade: Colorless, popular choice for white gold/platinum

Near Colorless Range (G-J)

• • • • • G-H Grade: Excellent value, appears colorless in most settings
        • I-J Grade: Nearly colorless, great for yellow gold settings

Faint Color Range (K-M)

• • • • • Slight yellow tint visible to trained eye
        • Budget-friendly options
        • Warm appearance in yellow gold

[Photo placeholder: Color comparison chart showing D through J grades]

4. Clarity Grade - Lab Diamond Internal Characteristics

GIA Clarity Scale:

Flawless (FL) - Internally Flawless (IF)

• • • • • No inclusions visible under 10x magnification
        • Rare and premium priced
        • Collector quality diamonds

Very Very Slightly Included (VVS1-VVS2)

• • • • • Minor inclusions difficult for skilled grader to see
        • Excellent quality for investment pieces
        • Eye-clean appearance guaranteed

Very Slightly Included (VS1-VS2)

• • • • • Minor inclusions visible under 10x magnification
        • Excellent value for engagement rings
        • Eye-clean in most cases

Slightly Included (SI1-SI2)

• • • • • Inclusions visible under 10x magnification
        • Great value for budget-conscious buyers
        • SI1 typically eye-clean, SI2 may show inclusions

[Photo placeholder: Clarity comparison showing inclusions under magnification]

Lab Diamond Creation Methods

HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature)

Process Overview:

• • • • • Mimics natural formation conditions
        • 2,000°C temperature and extreme pressure
        • Carbon seed grows into diamond crystal
        • Typical growth time: 2-4 weeks

HPHT Characteristics:

• • • • • Cubic or octahedral crystal shape
        • Metallic inclusions sometimes visible
        • Color treatment possible post-growth
        • Cost-effective production method

[Photo placeholder: HPHT diamond crystal formation diagram]

CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition)

Process Overview:

• • • • • Carbon-rich gas breaks down in vacuum chamber
        • Lower temperature than HPHT method
        • Layer-by-layer diamond growth
        • Controlled environment for consistent quality

CVD Characteristics:

• • • • • Tabular crystal growth pattern
        • Fewer metallic inclusions than HPHT
        • Post-growth treatment sometimes applied
        • Precise control over diamond properties

[Photo placeholder: CVD diamond growth chamber and process]

Lab Diamond Certifications and Grading Reports

Major Diamond Grading Laboratories

GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

World's Most Trusted Authority

• • • • • Industry standard for diamond grading
        • Consistent grading methodology
        • Global recognition by jewelers and consumers
        • Detailed analysis of all diamond characteristics
        • Laser inscription with report number included

GIA Report Includes:

• • • • • Detailed 4Cs analysis
        • Diamond measurements and proportions
        • Fluorescence assessment
        • Comments on treatments or enhancements
        • High-resolution digital photograph

[Photo placeholder: Sample GIA lab diamond certificate]

IGI (International Gemological Institute)

Comprehensive Diamond Analysis

• • • • • Detailed grading reports for lab diamonds
        • Global laboratory network
        • Consistent standards across locations
        • Advanced technology for accurate grading

IGI Certification Features:

• • • • • Complete 4Cs evaluation
        • Digital photography and plotting
        • Security features preventing forgery
        • Online verification system

GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab)

Advanced Technology Grading

• • • • • Guaranteed accuracy with technology backing
        • Detailed light performance analysis
        • Digital fingerprinting of each diamond
        • Optical brilliance measurements included

How to Read Your Lab Diamond Certificate

Certificate Components Explained

Header Information:

• • • • • Report number: Unique identifier for verification
        • Issue date: When certificate was created
        • Laboratory name: Grading authority
        • Diamond type: Natural vs. laboratory grown designation

Diamond Details:

• • • • • Shape and cutting style: Round brilliant, princess cut, etc.
        • Measurements: Length × width × depth in millimeters
        • Carat weight: Precise weight to hundredth of carat
        • Color grade: Letter designation (D, E, F, etc.)
        • Clarity grade: Inclusion assessment (FL, IF, VVS, etc.)
        • Cut grade: Overall cut quality rating

Additional Information:

• • • • • Polish and symmetry: Surface and facet alignment quality
        • Fluorescence: Reaction to ultraviolet light
        • Proportions: Table %, depth %, crown and pavilion angles
        • Comments: Any treatments or unique characteristics

[Photo placeholder: Annotated certificate showing each section explained]

Certificate Security Features

Anti-Counterfeiting Measures:

• • • • • Holographic seals and security printing
        • Unique report numbers for online verification
        • Microprint text difficult to reproduce
        • Special paper with embedded security features
        • QR codes for instant online verification

Lab Diamond Treatments and Enhancements

Common Post-Growth Treatments

HPHT Treatment (Post-Growth)

• • • • • Color improvement from lower to higher grades
        • Removes brown tinting in some diamonds
        • Permanent treatment that won't fade
        • Must be disclosed on certification

CVD Treatment

• • • • • Removes stress from growth process
        • Improves color in some cases
        • Standard practice in CVD production
        • Disclosed on certificates when applied

Treatment Disclosure Requirements

Industry Standards:

• • • • • Full disclosure required by reputable dealers
        • Certificate notation of any treatments
        • No undisclosed treatments in our inventory
        • Customer education about treatment effects

Lab Diamond Identification and Authentication

Professional Identification Methods

Advanced Instruments Used:

• • • • • Photoluminescence spectroscopy: Detects growth signatures
        • DiamondSure/DiamondView: Advanced screening technology
        • FTIR spectroscopy: Analyzes atomic structure
        • Raman spectroscopy: Identifies crystal defects

Visual Identification Challenges:

• • • • • Identical appearance to natural diamonds
        • Professional equipment required for identification
        • Trained gemologists needed for accurate determination
        • Certification essential for verification

[Photo placeholder: Professional diamond identification equipment in use]

Consumer Protection Measures

What We Guarantee:

• • • • • Certified lab diamonds only from reputable sources
        • Full disclosure of all diamond characteristics
        • Lifetime authenticity guarantee
        • Certificate verification assistance provided

Lab Diamond Quality Factors Beyond the 4Cs

Light Performance and Optical Properties

Brilliance: White light reflection from diamond Fire: Colored light dispersion creating rainbow flashes
Scintillation: Sparkle pattern when diamond moves Light return: Percentage of light reflected back to eye

Measuring Light Performance:

• • • • • ASET imaging: Shows light performance patterns
        • Hearts and arrows: Precision cut symmetry
        • Ideal scope: Light return visualization
        • Brilliance scope: Quantified light measurements

[Photo placeholder: Light performance analysis images showing brilliance patterns]

Diamond Proportions and Measurements

Critical Proportion Ratios:

• • • • • Table percentage: Top facet size relative to diameter
        • Depth percentage: Total depth relative to diameter
        • Crown angle: Upper portion angle affecting brilliance
        • Pavilion angle: Lower portion angle affecting light return
        • Girdle thickness: Diamond edge affecting durability

Ideal Proportion Ranges (Round Diamonds):

• • • • • Table: 54-57%
        • Depth: 59-62.3%
        • Crown angle: 34-35°
        • Pavilion angle: 40.6-41°
        • Girdle: Thin to slightly thick

Lab Diamond Shape and Cut Variations

Popular Lab Diamond Shapes

Round Brilliant Cut

• • • • • Most popular choice (70% of sales)
        • Maximum brilliance and fire
        • Excellent light performance when well-cut
        • Timeless appeal for engagement rings

Princess Cut

• • • • • Square shape with brilliant faceting
        • Contemporary appearance
        • Good value compared to round diamonds
        • Sharp corners require protective settings

Cushion Cut

• • • • • Vintage-inspired rounded square shape
        • Romantic appearance with soft edges
        • Excellent fire and scintillation
        • Variety of ratios available

Oval Cut

• • • • • Elongated brilliant cut appearance
        • Finger-flattering shape
        • Larger appearance than round of same carat
        • Bow-tie effect in some stones

[Photo placeholder: Comparison of popular diamond shapes showing cut differences]

Fancy Shape Considerations

Cut Quality Factors:

• • • • • No standardized grades for fancy shapes
        • Proportion guidelines vary by shape
        • Visual assessment more important
        • Professional evaluation recommended

Lab Diamond Fluorescence

Understanding Diamond Fluorescence

What is Fluorescence?

• • • • • Visible light emission under UV radiation
        • Natural property in some diamonds
        • Blue fluorescence most common
        • Graded from None to Very Strong

Fluorescence Grades:

• • • • • None: No fluorescence detected
        • Faint: Slight fluorescence under UV
        • Medium: Moderate fluorescence visible
        • Strong: Pronounced fluorescence
        • Very Strong: Intense fluorescence reaction

Impact on Appearance:

• • • • • Faint to Medium: Usually no visible effect
        • Strong fluorescence: May cause haziness in daylight
        • Blue fluorescence: Can make near-colorless diamonds appear whiter
        • Price consideration: Strong fluorescence typically reduces value

[Photo placeholder: Diamonds under UV light showing different fluorescence levels]

Choosing the Right Lab Diamond Certification

Certification Comparison Guide

For Investment/Resale Value:

• • • • • GIA certification preferred globally
        • Consistent grading standards
        • Highest recognition in industry
        • Best for expensive stones (1ct+)

For Value-Conscious Buyers:

• • • • • IGI certification offers detailed analysis
        • Comprehensive reports at competitive pricing
        • Good for smaller stones under 1ct
        • Reliable grading standards

For Technical Analysis:

• • • • • GCAL certification includes light performance
        • Advanced measurements provided
        • Good for cut quality assessment
        • Technology-backed guarantees

Lab Diamond Investment Considerations

Value Retention Factors

Factors Supporting Value:

• • • • • Superior cut quality maintains appeal
        • Larger carat weights (1ct+) hold value better
        • Premium certifications (GIA) preferred
        • Popular shapes have broader market appeal

Market Trends:

• • • • • Growing acceptance of lab diamonds
        • Younger consumers prefer sustainable options
        • Technology improvements increasing quality
        • Price stability as market matures

Insurance and Appraisal

Insurance Considerations:

• • • • • Certified diamonds easier to insure
        • Regular appraisals recommended every 3-5 years
        • Replacement value based on current market
        • Documentation importance for claims

Lab Diamond Care and Maintenance

Maintaining Certification Value

Protecting Your Investment:

• • • • • Keep certificates in safe location
        • Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage
        • Professional cleaning maintains appearance
        • Regular inspections prevent setting issues

Certificate Verification:

• • • • • Online verification through grading lab websites
        • Report number lookup confirms authenticity
        • Regular re-verification if certificate damaged
        • Professional authentication if questions arise

Frequently Asked Questions About Lab Diamond Certification

Q: Are lab diamond certificates different from natural diamond certificates? A: Yes, lab diamond certificates clearly identify the diamond as "laboratory grown" and may include information about growth method and any post-growth treatments.

Q: Can I verify my lab diamond certificate online? A: Yes, major grading laboratories offer online verification systems where you can confirm your certificate's authenticity using the report number.

Q: Do all lab diamonds come with certificates? A: Not necessarily. We only sell certified lab diamonds from reputable grading laboratories to ensure quality and authenticity.

Q: How long does diamond certification take? A: Typically 2-3 weeks for standard grading services, with expedited options available for urgent needs.

Q: Can a lab diamond be re-certified if the certificate is lost? A: Yes, diamonds can be re-submitted for grading, though the new certificate may have slight variations from the original due to normal grading tolerances.

Q: Do lab diamonds have laser inscriptions? A: Many do, especially those certified by GIA. The inscription typically includes the report number and "LG" designation for lab grown.

---

Understanding lab diamond certification ensures you make an informed purchase decision. Our certified lab diamonds come with detailed reports from trusted grading authorities, giving you complete confidence in your jewelry investment.