Starting later in 2025, GIA will abandon the full 4Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat weight) for lab-grown diamonds, switching instead to two simplified categories: “Premium” and “Standard” or no grade at all if a diamond doesn’t meet the minimal quality benchmark.
GIA reports that over 95% of lab-grown diamonds are already colorless (D–F) or clarity VS1 and above, resulting in a concentrated range of high-quality grades, which makes traditional distinctions less meaningful.
Premium lab-grown diamonds meet high standards for near-colorless appearance (D–F equivalent), high clarity (VVS–VS range) and excellent finish and overall quality.
Standard lab-grown diamonds feature slightly lower color (roughly G–J), clarity that may fall into SI range and good, but not top-tier, finish.
Lab-grown diamonds with no designation fall below minimum quality in color, clarity or finish and will receive no GIA grade at all.
This shift is intended to help consumers better differentiate between lab-grown versus natural diamonds, rather than directly comparing lab categories to natural 4C gradations.
This means several things for buyers. Reports will become simpler, with no more detailed 4C breakdown for lab-grown diamonds. In this landscape, certification from reputable sellers and transparency matter more than ever. Visual evaluation is also essential: with many diamonds falling within a narrow technical range, factors like cut, transparency and sparkle are especially critical. And remember—grade absence isn’t necessarily a red flag. A diamond that doesn’t meet GIA’s reporting standards may still be attractive; it just won’t qualify for their official branding.
GIA’s decision reflects the growing maturity of the lab-grown diamond market. With consistency in quality among most stones, detailed grading holds less weight—what matters now is visual performance and trusted sourcing. Our lab-grown diamonds at Borsheims are accompanied by IGI (International Gemological Institute) grading reports. Learn more about leading diamond grading labs in this article.
Become more of a diamond expert, like us, by learning through our Engagement Education guides. Explore our selection of IGI-certified lab-grown diamonds in our online ring builder today.
