How to Read a Diamond Grading Report

Quick answer: A diamond grading report (certificate) from a lab such as IGI or GIA lists the diamond's report number, shape and cutting style, measurements, carat weight, color grade, clarity grade, cut grade (for rounds), polish, symmetry, fluorescence, proportions and a clarity plot. Lab grown reports also state that the diamond is laboratory grown and often the growth method (CVD or HPHT). Always check that the report number matches the laser inscription on the diamond's girdle.

A grading report is your diamond's ID card. Here is how to read it section by section.

Sections of a Grading Report

Section	What it tells you	What to look for
Report number	Unique ID	Matches the girdle inscription and online database
Shape and cutting style	e.g., Heart Brilliant	The shape you expect
Measurements	Length x width x depth (mm)	Face-up size and ratio
Carat weight	Weight to two decimals	Matches the listing
Color grade	D to Z, or fancy color description	Eye-white or desired hue
Clarity grade	FL to I3	Eye-clean
Cut, polish, symmetry	Excellent to Poor	Excellent or Very Good
Fluorescence	None to Very Strong	None to Medium is safest
Proportions diagram	Table %, depth %, angles	Balanced proportions
Clarity plot	Map of inclusions	Location and type of inclusions
Comments	Growth method, treatments	"Laboratory grown," CVD/HPHT, any post-growth treatment

Fancy Color Reports

Colored diamonds are graded by hue and intensity, such as "Fancy Intense Greenish Blue." The first word describes intensity and the last color is the dominant hue. Read colored and black diamonds explained.

Shown: Heart 3.17ct I VS1 IGI Certified Lab Grown Diamond

How to Verify a Report

Enter the report number on the lab's website.
Compare carat, measurements and grades with the paper or PDF.
Ask a jeweler to confirm the girdle inscription under magnification.

Which Labs Are Trusted?

IGI and GIA are the most widely recognized labs for lab grown diamonds in the US. Read IGI vs GIA.

Certified Diamonds at Ivevar

We offer certified loose lab grown diamonds and can set them in any ring design in our Surat workshop. Every order ships free worldwide and comes with 30-day easy returns. Browse heart lab diamonds and all loose lab diamonds.

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3.17ct I VS1 HeartShop Now

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a certificate the same as an appraisal?

No. A certificate grades quality; an appraisal estimates value for insurance.

What is a girdle inscription?

A tiny laser-engraved report number on the diamond's edge.

Do lab grown diamonds have certificates?

Yes, usually from IGI or GIA.

What does "as grown" mean on a report?

No post-growth color treatment was applied.

Can I check a report online?

Yes, on the lab's website using the report number.

The Bottom Line

Read each section, verify the report number, and use the proportions and clarity plot to judge real-world beauty, not just the grades.

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Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

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