Consumer Awareness and Buying Guides

Lab-Grown Diamonds Certification: Understanding DCLA, GSL, IGI, GIA and Other Certifications

Buying a diamond is a big decision. Whether it’s for an engagement ring or a personal investment, you want to know exactly what you’re paying for. That’s where certification comes in.

A diamond certificate (also called a grading report) is a document issued by a third-party lab. It gives a detailed breakdown of the stone’s qualities—like carat weight, colour, clarity, and cut. For lab-grown diamonds, it also confirms the origin and production method (CVD or HPHT).

The certificate helps you:

  • Compare diamonds more easily
  •  Avoid overpaying for a stone
  • Resell or insure the diamond with confidence

Without certification, you’re basically taking someone’s word for it. And that’s not ideal when the price tag runs into thousands.

diamond

What’s Different About Lab-Grown Diamond Certification?

 Lab-grown diamonds are graded just like mined diamonds. Same 4Cs—cut, colour, clarity, carat. Same testing equipment. But there are a few key differences you should know.

First, the lab will clearly state the diamond is lab-grown. This isn’t optional. Reputable certification bodies are required to disclose the origin, whether it’s CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) or HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature).

Second, some grading labs are more active in the lab-grown space. Not every lab certifies lab-grown diamonds yet, and among those that do, the experience and consistency can vary.

Finally, prices for certified lab-grown diamonds tend to reflect the grading source. A GIA report, for example, might carry more weight in the market than a lesser-known certificate.

Bottom line: you want a recognised certificate not just to prove quality, but to avoid confusion if you ever resell or upgrade the stone.

The Key Certification Bodies Explained

 DCLA (Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia)

DCLA is based in Sydney and is one of the most trusted grading labs in the country. They’re known for strict standards and use GIA-based grading. Importantly, DCLA does certify lab-grown diamonds, and their reports include all the usual 4Cs plus a clear origin disclosure.

One advantage? You’re dealing with a local lab, which means easier verification and support if you ever need to double-check a certificate or get a second opinion.

More info: https://www.dcla.com.au

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 GSL (Gem Studies Laboratory)

Also based in Sydney, GSL is another respected lab in the Australian jewellery market. They grade both natural and lab-grown diamonds. GSL reports are known to be very thorough, and they also identify the method of production (CVD or HPHT).

GSL doesn’t have the same international name recognition as GIA or IGI, but locally, they’re a trusted source.

Website: https://www.gemstudieslaboratory.com.au

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 IGI (International Gemological Institute)

IGI is one of the largest gem labs in the world and a leader in lab-grown diamond certification. Many lab-grown diamonds on the Australian market are certified by IGI because it’s widely accepted and has a strong reputation in this space.

Their reports are detailed, consistent, and often included by default with larger lab-grown stones sold online.

More info: https://www.igi.org

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 GIA (Gemological Institute of America)

GIA is probably the most well-known diamond grading lab globally. They were slower to adopt lab-grown certification, but now they do offer it. One thing to note: GIA lab-grown reports may be more conservative, especially when it comes to colour and clarity.

They also switched from “grading reports” to “identification reports” for lab-grown stones, which has created a bit of confusion. Still, GIA carries weight, and a GIA lab-grown report is often seen as a mark of high trust.

More info: https://www.gia.edu

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Other Labs (Brief Mentions)

·         HRD Antwerp: Mostly seen in Europe. Not common in Australia.

·         GCAL (Gem Certification & Assurance Lab): US-based. Known for tight grading and additional guarantees. Rare in Australia.

diamonds

How These Labs Compare: What You Should Know

Not all diamond labs grade the same way. Here’s a simple breakdown of what sets each one apart, especially when you’re looking at lab-grown diamonds.

Grading Standards

·         GIA is known for being strict—especially on colour and clarity.

·         IGI is more consistent with lab-grown stones and widely used by manufacturers.

·         DCLA and GSL both follow international grading systems, but since they’re local, you can expect slightly more tailored service for the Aussie market.

Trust and Recognition

·         GIA has the strongest global name, which can matter if you’re reselling or insuring.

·         IGI is a close second, especially for lab-grown.

·         DCLA and GSL are best known within Australia. For local buyers, they’re trusted and easy to verify.

Report Format

·         IGI and GIA both issue digital and printed reports, often with QR codes for verification.

·         DCLA includes security features like embossed logos and photos.

·         GSL keeps things simple and clear, often including spectral testing details for origin verification.

Availability in the Market

·         IGI reports are most common for lab-grown diamonds sold online in Australia.

·         DCLA and GSL are more common in local physical stores or for Aussie-based custom jewellers.

·         GIA is available but not as widely used yet for lab-grown, partly due to higher certification costs.

Feature

GIA

IGI

DCLA

GSL

Known For

Strict grading, global trust

Lab-grown specialist, widely used

Local trust, GIA-based grading

Local expertise, detailed testing

Lab Location

USA, global

Global (mainly Belgium, India)

Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia

Grades Lab-Grown?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Report Format

Digital + printed, QR code

Digital + printed, QR code

Printed with photo, embossed seal

Printed, sometimes with spectral data

Grading Strictness

Most conservative

Balanced, slightly looser than GIA

Aligned with GIA

Similar to GIA, less known globally

Market Presence (AU)

Growing, mostly online

Very common for lab-grown

Common in Aussie retail stores

Seen in local jewellers

Production Method ID

Yes (CVD/HPHT disclosed)

Yes (CVD/HPHT disclosed)

Yes

Yes

Resale/Insurance Value

Very high recognition

Widely accepted

Good within Australia

Trusted locally, less global reach

What to Look for in a Certificate (and What Actually Matters)

When you get a diamond certificate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the numbers and jargon. But only a few things really matter—especially for lab-grown stones.

Here’s what to check:

Stone Type

Look for terms like “Laboratory Grown Diamond”, “Synthetic Diamond”, or a specific method like CVD or HPHT. This confirms it’s lab-grown and not misrepresented.

4Cs Breakdown

·         Carat Weight – Self-explanatory.

·         Cut Grade – Only round diamonds always get a cut grade. For fancy shapes, ask your jeweller.

·         Colour Grade – D is colourless. Grades move down to Z.

·         Clarity Grade – Ranges from FL (flawless) to I (included). Most people aim for VS or SI clarity—it’s eye-clean and costs less.

Laser Inscription

Most certified lab-grown diamonds are laser-inscribed on the girdle with the report number. You can ask to see it under magnification for peace of mind.

Certifying Lab Details

Make sure the lab is clearly named, with a report number and issue date. If it’s IGI, GIA, DCLA, or GSL, you can usually verify the certificate online.

Optional—but Nice to Have:

·         Photo of the Diamond – Helps with future matching or resale.

·         Fluorescence Info – Mild fluorescence is common in lab-grown stones. It’s usually not a dealbreaker.

·         Additional Notes – Some labs mention if the diamond has been post-treated (e.g. to improve colour).

If you’re shopping online, many sites show a PDF of the certificate. If they don’t—or if it’s from a lab you’ve never heard of—it’s worth asking questions.

Final Tips for Australian Buyers

If you’re shopping for a lab-grown diamond in Australia, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Know Which Labs Are Trusted Locally

You’ll often see IGI reports for online lab-grown diamonds, especially from overseas sellers. Locally, DCLA and GSL are common in retail stores and custom jewellers. GIA reports show up too, but they’re less common and may cost more.

2. Don’t Assume All Certificates Are Equal

A certificate from a no-name lab—or worse, one created by the seller—isn’t worth much. Stick to well-known names: GIA, IGI, DCLA, GSL. These are the ones insurers, appraisers, and resellers actually trust.

3. You Don’t Always Need a Certificate

For small diamonds (under ~0.30ct), certification isn’t always necessary. But for anything bigger—or for engagement rings—it’s smart to have a report. It protects both your money and your peace of mind.

4. Verify the Certificate Online

Most legit labs offer report verification. You just enter the report number on their website. If the seller refuses to share the cert before purchase, that’s a red flag.

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