Lab Grown Diamonds Grading & Certification

Every Madison & Elm Lab‑Grown Diamond Is Certified by Trusted Gem Labs

At Madison & Elm we believe a diamond should be as honest as it is beautiful. That’s why every single lab‑grown stone we sell is sent for independent inspection and certification to the highest industry standards.

What Is Diamond Certification?

A diamond certification (or grading report) is an official document issued by an independent gemological laboratory. It describes the diamond’s key characteristics—primarily the 4Cs: cut, carat, color, and clarity.

Beyond the 4Cs, certificates may also note polish, symmetry, fluorescence, girdle thickness, and even map inclusions (tiny internal features) so you have a clear picture of your stone’s unique “fingerprint.”

Certificates are produced by trained professionals using advanced equipment. This makes them invaluable for buyers who want assurance about a diamond’s identity, authenticity, and quality.

Types of Diamond Grading Systems

Not all labs are equal—some are more trusted than others. Here are the main players:

  • GIA (Gemological Institute of America): The world’s most respected authority. Reports include proportions, girdle thickness, table %, depth %, and culet size. Many brands insist on GIA certification.
  • AGS (American Gem Society): Known for its precise cut grading, especially for round brilliant diamonds. Uses a 0–9 scale (0 is “ideal”).
  • IGI (International Gemological Institute): Popular for lab-grown diamonds. Known for faster turnaround and lower cost compared to GIA.
  • GSI (Gemological Science International): A newer organization, but some inconsistencies have been noted compared with GIA.
  • GCAL (Gem Certification and Assurance Lab): Offers strong consumer guarantees and a focus on authenticity and quality.

How to Read a Diamond Certificate

Certificates contain detailed information, including:

  • Report number and date of evaluation
  • The 4Cs (carat weight, color, clarity, cut)
  • Exact dimensions (length, width, depth)
  • Table %, depth %, culet size
  • Symmetry, polish, and girdle thickness
  • Proportion diagram
  • Inclusion plot (showing internal features)
  • Fluorescence grade
  • Laser inscription (if present)
  • Comments and additional notes

Together, these details give you a complete profile of your diamond.

Why Certification Matters

Certification offers more than just peace of mind:

  • Trust: Confirms the diamond’s quality and authenticity.
  • Resale value: Buyers and jewelers rely on certificates when reselling or upgrading diamonds.
  • Comparison: Allows you to accurately compare different diamonds side by side.
  • Insurance: Provides official documentation often required for insuring your jewelry.

Without certification, you’re relying solely on the seller’s word—which is risky for such a high-value purchase.

What Affects Grading in Lab-Grown Diamonds?

Lab diamonds tend to have fewer flaws than mined ones, but certification still accounts for important factors:

  • Crystallinity: Larger, clearer crystals are more desirable.
  • Hardness: Can exceed that of natural diamonds, depending on purity and orientation.
  • Inclusions: Fewer than natural diamonds, but still considered in grading.

The GIA 4Cs in Detail

  • Carat: Weight of the diamond. Bigger isn’t always better—proportions and cut matter too.
  • Color: Rated D (colorless) through Z (noticeable yellow/brown tint). Lab diamonds can show unique fluorescence depending on how they were made.
  • Clarity: Evaluated under 10x magnification, ranging from “Flawless (FL)” to “Included (I).”
  • Cut: Arguably the most important C. A well-cut diamond maximizes brilliance and sparkle by reflecting light efficiently.

Advantages of Buying Certified Diamonds

  • Assurance of authenticity
  • Confidence when reselling, insuring, or upgrading
  • Ability to make meaningful comparisons between stones
  • Protection against misleading sales tactics

Certification transforms your diamond purchase from a guess into an informed decision.

Diamond certification is your safeguard in the marketplace. While multiple labs exist, their standards vary—so knowing which certifications carry the most credibility is crucial. Whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, a certificate gives you clarity, transparency, and long-term value.

When shopping, take the time to review certificates carefully and compare stones side by side. A certified diamond isn’t just a purchase—it’s a meaningful investment that will shine for a lifetime.