At BC Clark, we’ve always believed that natural diamonds are in a class of their own—and now, the world’s leading authority in gemology is making it official.

In a landmark decision that redefines how laboratory-grown diamonds are evaluated, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced it will no longer use the traditional 4Cs grading system—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight—for man-made diamonds. Instead, beginning in late 2025, GIA reports for lab-grown diamonds will use simplified descriptors such as “premium” or “standard”, or potentially no grade at all if the diamond doesn’t meet certain thresholds.

 

Why GIA Is Redefining Lab-Grown Grading

Lab-grown diamonds, created using High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) methods, are mass-produced in controlled environments. According to Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer, “More than 95% of lab-grown diamonds entering the market fall into a very narrow range of color and clarity.”

That narrow band makes the detailed 4Cs system—designed to evaluate the natural diversity and complexity of Earth-formed diamonds—obsolete in the context of man-made stones.

Natural vs. Lab-Grown

This shift isn’t just about nomenclature. It’s about recognizing a fundamental difference between two entirely different products. By removing the 4Cs from lab-grown grading, GIA is affirming what we’ve known all along: lab-grown diamonds are not natural diamonds, and they should not be treated—or evaluated—the same way.

Lab-grown diamonds lack rarity, individuality, and the geological legacy that define a natural diamond. They can be replicated endlessly, devoid of the one-of-a-kind fingerprints that make each natural diamond a treasure of the Earth.

Natural diamonds are finite. They were formed billions of years ago under intense heat and pressure, deep within the Earth—nature’s miracles shaped over eons. Each one is a geological wonder, with a unique combination of color, clarity, and internal characteristics that tell a story no other gem can match.

This inherent rarity and identity are what drive the value of natural diamonds. They are heirlooms. They are investments. They are irreplaceable.

The 4Cs For Natural Diamonds Only

GIA introduced the 4Cs in 1953 as a universal standard for evaluating the beauty and uniqueness of natural diamonds. That system remains essential for natural stones, as each one varies widely in its characteristics.

By contrast, applying the same system to lab-grown diamonds, which can be mass-produced to fit narrow standards, only creates confusion. This latest move brings much-needed clarity to the industry—and to consumers.

Beyond their unmatched beauty and rarity, natural diamonds carry a legacy of responsibility and impact.

• 85% of the world’s natural diamonds by volume and 95% by value come from large-scale mining companies—not artisanal miners—operating in regions such as Canada, Botswana, and Namibia.

• These companies uphold strict ethical and environmental standards, publishing audited sustainability reports to ensure transparency and accountability.

• The purchase of a natural diamond helps support local communities through sustainable development, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare initiatives.

• The global diamond industry contributes over $16 billion annually to the economy, supporting millions of jobs from mining to retail.

• Employment at diamond mines often means fair wages, safe working conditions, and long-term opportunity for individuals and families in diamond-producing regions.

• The industry is closely regulated to ensure ethical sourcing, adherence to human rights, and environmental protection through robust certification and compliance systems.

Looking Ahead

As this policy rolls out in late 2025, we expect other gemological labs to follow GIA’s lead. The line between lab-created simulacra and natural geological masterpieces is being redrawn in bold ink—and GIA is holding the pen.

For those who value tradition, permanence, and legacy, there is no question: natural diamonds are—and will always be—the true benchmark.

What This Means for us at BC Clark

As a retailer who offers only natural diamonds, GIA’s new approach affirms our long-standing belief: there is no substitute for the real thing. Natural diamonds remain the global standard of authenticity, luxury, and meaning. They are not just carbon structures—they are the physical embodiment of time, rarity, and Earth’s unfathomable beauty.