GIA Adds Low-Cost Lab-Made Diamond Detection Service for >0.20ct

(IDEX Online News) – Addressing concerns in the market that smaller goods are more prone to be undisclosed lab-made diamonds, the GIA is adding a $12 per stone identification option for diamonds 0.20 carats and smaller to its Quality Assurance services.

Combining screening for synthetics with detection of permanent color treatments for natural stones, GIA said its new service provides greater assurance for dealers, retailers and the public.

According to a release from the lab, the new Diamond Quality Assurance service is, "specifically designed to randomly screen parcels of small diamonds," and "combines screening for synthetics with color treatment detection."

However, GIA also states that all stones submitted for GIA grading and identification services will continue to be screened for synthetics and treatments as part of the grading process.

 This service examines D-to-Z diamonds and fancy colored diamonds up to 0.20 carats, as well as black diamonds up to 0.50 carats.

Based on the examination, GIA will issue a statement that the stone is synthetic or natural and – if natural – whether any permanent color treatments have been applied.

The service is for mounted and loose stones. However, mounted stones are more difficult to examine and it may be necessary to remove diamonds from the setting for testing, GIA added.

In addition, GIA has reduced the cost for Diamond Dossier grading reports for stones 0.29 carats and below by 10 percent.

All stones submitted for GIA grading and identification services will continue to be screened for synthetics and treatments as part of the grading process.