National News
IGI will apply traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including LGDs
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to applying traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including laboratory-grown stones, positioning itself in direct contrast to competitor GIA’s recent policy shift toward simplified grading for lab-grown diamonds.
The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to applying traditional 4Cs grading standards to all diamonds, including laboratory-grown stones, positioning itself in direct contrast to competitor GIA’s recent policy shift toward simplified grading for lab-grown diamonds.
IGI announced on July 14, 2025, that it will continue grading laboratory-grown diamonds using the established 4Cs framework (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight). The institute, which began grading lab-grown diamonds in 2005, cited the need to “prevent industry and consumer confusion” as the primary rationale for maintaining consistent grading standards across all diamond types.
This announcement comes in direct response to GIA’s June 2025 decision to transition from detailed color and clarity grading to a simplified “standard” or “premium” classification system for laboratory-grown diamonds. GIA, which began grading lab-grown stones in 2006, justified this change by arguing that the vast majority of lab-grown diamonds fall within such a narrow quality range that traditional nomenclature has become less relevant.
IGI’s stance creates clear differentiation in the gemological services market. While GIA focuses primarily on natural diamond grading, IGI has positioned itself as the specialist for laboratory-grown stones, with lab-grown diamonds now comprising 54% of its total grading volume according to recent financial disclosures.
Industry Impact The divergent approaches between the two major grading institutes reflects broader industry tensions regarding the standardization of laboratory-grown diamond evaluation. IGI’s commitment to maintaining traditional grading standards may appeal to:
- Retailers seeking consistent grading terminology across their inventory
- Consumers who prefer familiar quality metrics
- Manufacturers invested in producing higher-grade laboratory-grown stones
This policy difference highlights the evolving competitive landscape in diamond grading services. IGI’s emphasis on comprehensive grading for lab-grown stones may attract clients who view the simplified GIA approach as insufficient for their business needs.
IGI’s strategy carries both opportunities and risks. While maintaining detailed grading standards may preserve consumer confidence and industry familiarity, it also requires continued investment in specialized expertise and equipment for what GIA considers an increasingly homogeneous product category.
The industry’s response to these competing approaches will likely influence future grading standards and market dynamics. Retailers and consumers will ultimately determine whether detailed grading or simplified classification better serves their needs in the laboratory-grown diamond segment.
IGI’s decision to maintain traditional 4Cs grading for all diamonds represents a strategic bet on the continued relevance of detailed quality assessment in the laboratory-grown diamond market. This positions the institute as the primary advocate for comprehensive grading standards while creating clear market differentiation from GIA’s simplified approach. The success of this strategy will depend on industry adoption and consumer preference for detailed versus simplified grading systems.
BrandBuzz
Verlas Introduces the ‘Alyssa’ Collection in India, Bringing Modern Luxe Floral-Inspired Design to Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry Crafted in Fine Gold
The New York-born brand channels statement floral designs in modern silhouettes and larger carat diamond brilliance into a collection made for weddings, engagements, cocktail evenings, and wedding Trousseau Picks.
Verlas, the New York-based fine jewelry brand, has brought its luxurious Alyssa collection to India, a floral-inspired range of contemporary designs crafted with IGI-Certified lab-grown diamonds and BIS hallmarked gold in 14K and 9K Gold variants. Built around larger carat weights and romantic floral design, the collection pairs statement sparkle with Verlas’ commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Since its founding in 2019, Verlas has focused on modern, considered jewelry designed to feel personal and meaningful, handcrafted by skilled artisans in VS clarity lab-grown diamonds set in fine gold.
Inspired by blooming florals, the Alyssa collection translates nature’s motifs into refined diamond jewelry designed for everyday moments in the form of elegant pendant necklaces and Studs designed with florets of round-cut and marquise-cut diamonds, and then there are these luxe styles that call for something more. For bigger celebrations to evening dressing, these luxe designs are crafted with marquise and round-cut diamonds in hoops and dangler earrings, unique tennis bracelets and tennis necklace designs that embrace the designer craftsmanship of Verlas. The Alyssa collection brings signature brilliance to a range of personal styles.
For the modern bride, Alyssa brings together jewelry for every part of her journey—from the engagement and big day to her trousseau, bridesmaids and the little moments beyond. Fashion-forward yet effortlessly elegant, each design is crafted to make a statement today and stay in her rotation long after the celebrations are over.

Among the highlights are the Alyssa Cuatro Floral Hoops, featuring five round lab-grown diamonds arranged in a delicate floret on a solid gold hoop. For a softer, more elegant look, these round-cut diamonds bring a classic appeal – perfect for those who prefer understated sparkle.

If bold and distinctive is more your style, the Alyssa Tres Marquise Diamond Huggies bring an elongated floral silhouette with marquise-cut diamond petals.

The Alyssa Radiant Bloom Ring offers another take on the floral motif, bringing together round-cut diamonds for a radiant, feminine look.

Meanwhile, the Alyssa Trio Marquise Bouquet Ring takes a bolder approach, featuring three diamond florets crafted with marquise diamond petals. Whether you lean towards the elegant simplicity of round cuts or the bolder character of marquise cuts, the Alyssa collection offers a floral style to match.

The Alyssa Marquise Studs bring a fresh take on florals, with marquise-cut diamonds forming an X-shaped motif around a round centre. Easy enough for everyday, yet special enough for evenings out, they’re the kind of pair you’ll keep reaching for.

For a little more sparkle, the Alyssa Marquise-Cut Floral Tennis Bracelet makes a statement without feeling reserved for just one occasion. Its floral diamond motifs bring a touch of drama to wedding celebrations, festive evenings and everything in between.

And when you’re ready to go all out, the Alyssa Marquise Radiant Tennis Necklace takes the floral story up a notch. With twenty-three diamond florets and a total weight of 13 carats, it brings together marquise-cut petals and round diamond centres for a look made to shine at the wedding, reception, or your next big celebration.
Available in white, yellow, and rose gold in 14K and 9K, the Alyssa collection reflects Verlas philosophy of creating jewelry that is beautiful, meaningful, and responsibly crafted. Perfect for elevating bridal looks and everyday romance alike.
With its growing presence in India, Verlas continues to bring its modern design and craftsmanship approach to fine jewelry to new audiences, combining considered design, conscious choice, and a more approachable jewelry experience.
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