GIA and IGI Overhaul Lab-Grown Diamond Grading: What It Means for Engagement Rings in 2025

The world of lab grown diamonds is experiencing a seismic shift in 2025. Two of the most respected authorities in diamond grading, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), are changing how they assess and report on lab grown diamonds. This move is set to reshape how consumers, retailers, and the industry at large perceive lab grown engagement rings.

Historically, both GIA and IGI have graded lab grown diamonds using the same 4Cs—carat, color, clarity, and cut—that are used for natural diamonds. This approach gave buyers a familiar way to compare stones, whether mined or lab created. However, as technology has advanced, lab grown diamonds have become so consistently high in quality that the traditional color and clarity scales are less relevant for these stones.

Starting in late 2025, GIA will no longer use the 4Cs for lab grown diamonds. Instead, their reports will categorize stones as either “premium” or “standard,” or provide no grade at all if the diamond doesn’t meet minimum quality. IGI is expected to follow suit.

This change reflects the reality that most lab grown diamonds on the market today are already “premium” in terms of color and clarity, thanks to controlled manufacturing processes. In fact, for many stones, color grading is almost unnecessary because they are virtually colorless.

Lab grown diamonds are created in highly controlled environments using either Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) or High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) methods. These processes allow manufacturers to produce diamonds that are consistently high in clarity and color, often surpassing the average quality of natural diamonds.

Because of these advances, the majority of lab grown diamonds submitted for grading are expected to receive the “premium” label under the new system.

Instead of detailed breakdowns of color and clarity, future lab grown diamond reports will simply state if a stone is “premium” or “standard.” This makes it easier for consumers to understand the quality at a glance and reduces confusion between lab grown and natural diamonds.

If you’re shopping for a lab grown diamond engagement ring, this change is good news:

As lab grown diamonds continue to rise in popularity—projected to make up 20% of the diamond market by 2025—these changes from GIA and IGI signal a new era. Lab grown diamonds are now so consistently high in quality that traditional grading metrics are being retired in favor of straightforward, consumer-friendly labels.

If you’re considering a lab grown diamond engagement ring, you can feel confident that “premium” really does mean premium—beautiful, ethical, and brilliant.