Lab-grown diamonds
IGI turnaround times for lab-grown reports have lengthened
Standard grading turnaround at IGI, which handles most lab-grown volume, has stretched as submission volumes keep climbing, similar to the slowdown already seen at GIA for natural stones.
Imperial Star Gems trade desk1 min read
Standard grading turnaround at IGI, which handles most lab-grown volume, has stretched as submissions keep climbing.
- IGI has become the primary lab for lab-grown reports as volumes have grown, a shift we covered when it overtook GIA in lab-grown share.
- That same growth is now showing up as longer queues, echoing the turnaround delays already seen at GIA for natural stones, though from a faster starting point.
- Express services remain available at a premium and are largely unaffected, so the delay mainly affects standard-service submissions on lower-value stones.
If a lab-grown purchase is time-sensitive, ask whether the stone already carries a report or would need fresh grading before it can ship — buying already-certified stock avoids the wait entirely. Browse graded lab-grown stones in hand, or contact us about timing on a custom order.
Market commentary drawn from publicly available market data and trade reporting, not investment advice. Prices move; figures are indicative and correct as of the date above.