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Brides / Jhett Thompson
Black Friday Deals
- With Clarity is offering 25 percent off site wide on all diamond jewelry including engagement rings.
- Blue Nile is offering up to 30 percent off site wide on all diamond jewelry.
- James Allen is offering up to 40 percent off site wide on all diamond jewelry.
See More Deals: The 30 Best Early Black Friday Deals for Brides and Wedding Guests, From $12
Twenty-one pieces of diamond jewelry, a panel of seven testers, a physicist, a laser, a fireproof safe, and an eye-popping insurance policy—that’s what we needed to pull off the Brides diamond testing and compile our list of the best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry. Chemically identical to natural diamonds, lab-created diamonds offer all the sparkle at a more approachable price point. Plus, because they’re sustainably grown and ethically sourced, they’re an eco-friendly choice you can feel proud to wear. And make no mistake: Both are real diamonds, full stop. Unlike simulated diamonds, lab-grown diamonds have the same aesthetic, physical, and chemical characteristics as natural diamonds. The only difference? Lab diamonds are created in a controlled setting, while natural diamonds are mined from the Earth.
Dr. Ulrika D’Haenens-Johansson, an expert from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and the Brides team tested 21 pieces of lab-grown diamond jewelry from 13 brands in our New York City Lab. Our testers evaluated the appearance of each diamond, setting quality, fit, and presentation. Dr. D’Haenens-Johanssen used the GIA iD100 ®—a specialized instrument that separates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and diamond simulants. “By eye, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a natural diamond,” she explains. Since natural and lab-grown diamonds are chemically the same, this method helps scientists, appraisers, and jewelers tell the difference and assess the quality of a stone. When choosing a lab-grown diamond, you should still look for the four Cs: color, cut, clarity, and carat. As for size, because lab-grown diamonds are more affordable, you can get more carats for less cash. And at the end of the day, most people can’t tell one from the other, so you’ll still get that wow factor.
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Millennials think differently about all aspects of engagements and weddings, eschewing the traditional for new ways to mark the occasion. So we were surprised when one 20-something tester was so impressed by the quality and origin story of the Grown Brilliance lab-created pieces she was ready to invest in diamonds for the first time in her life.
We'd change one thing about the pre-designed cushion-cut ring we tested—the high prong setting covered part of the stone's face, detracting from its full brilliance. If you want the diamond to get all the attention, we recommend opting for a halo style with prongs that aren't as noticeable. The stud earrings were a big hit with all our testers, with gorgeous martini-set stones and guardian posts to hold them comfortably in place.
Grown Brilliance is one of the few brands offering lab-grown pieces from well-known designer label Badgley Mischka. (Our favorites from the collection are the stunning oval engagement ring and the Graduated Riviera necklace, which gave us major Princess Grace vibes.)
Special Services: First responders, military, and teachers get 10 percent off the first order | Shipping and Returns: Free FedEx 2-day shipping and free returns
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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A husband-and-wife team is behind the New York atelier that makes With Clarity lab-grown diamond jewelry. It's one of our favorite places for bespoke lab-grown diamond rings. Customers can select loose lab diamonds to create personalized jewelry pieces and lab-grown diamond engagement rings. We love this feature that allows you to handpick a stone, whether it's a heart-shaped 2-carat cut or a 5-carat Marquise cut. The loose diamond collection features a wide variety of cuts, carats, colors, and clarity so you can custom-create your perfect style. The website makes it easy to navigate and make your selection based on each feature using a comparison chart. Finally, the Home Preview program allows customers to try on two custom replicas at home. Pricing is competitive, as the direct-to-consumer model eliminates middleman markups.
One of our favorite pieces is the Four Prong Lab Diamond Tennis Bracelet, which was so beautiful we wore it for weeks on end without ever taking it off. Its brilliance and sparkle are incredible, and the four-prong clasp kept us feeling safe and secure and never snagged on clothing.
Special Services: Expert gemologists are available 7 days a week for consultations | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and returns
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Brides / Jill Di Donato
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We compared a natural and a lab-created diamond from Brilliant Earth's collection and found it impossible to distinguish between them with the naked eye. The brand's readymade engagement ring designs are classic, and the round-cut engagement ring we tested is the perfect option for a bride-to-be who wants a timeless look. If you have more modern tastes, you can design your ring by choosing a center stone and one of several setting options, from traditional solitaires to ornate three-stone shapes. (One of our favorites is the eclectic Versailles ring, which features a center stone adorned by smaller round and marquise-cut lab diamonds.)
We love the choices available for the brand's lab-grown diamond studs. Our testers liked how the four-prong basket setting on the 3-carat studs let the diamonds' brilliance shine through while the double-grooved posts and guardian backings kept them firmly but comfortably in place. (One tester was ready to buy them on the spot!) Beyond rings and studs, Brilliant Earth also offers lab-created diamond pieces including wedding bands, tennis bracelets, hoop earrings, and pendant necklaces. Most jewelry options, including engagement rings, are available in four precious metal types: 18k white gold, 14k rose gold, 18k yellow gold, and platinum.
With all the customization options available, navigating the Brilliant Earth website can be overwhelming. It takes some searching to find the selection of lab-grown engagement rings, though the section of other lab-created diamond jewelry offers a super-enjoyable browsing experience. Overall, we were impressed with the quality and presentation of the jewelry we evaluated, right down to the natural wood jewelry boxes. And Brilliant Earth customers agree—the brand's reviews section is filled with 5-star feedback.
Special Services: Virtual try-on app, consultations with jewelry experts | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and returns within 30 days
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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The Ritani lab-created solitaire engagement ring we tested scored high marks for the four C's. The stone was crystal clear with no discoloration, and the shape of the princess-cut stone maximized its brilliance, with testers noting that it even appeared to have more detailed faceting than the natural Ritani diamond. And just like the other lab-grown diamonds we tested, you can get more carats for less cash, so don't be afraid to go big. If you're looking for a non-traditional ring, this is the place to shop. With its low-profile center stone and diamond-studded band, the French-set diamond band ring is a conversation starter. Plus, the brand offers a stunning array of colored lab-grown diamonds in shades like blue, yellow, and orange.
Ritani's round stud earrings dazzled us, too. The three-prong martini basket was an understated setting that made the earring perfect for everyday wear. We weren't impressed by the simple push backings, which one tester dropped as she put the earrings in her ears, but luckily, you can opt for more secure screw backs. A wide selection of necklace pendants in heart, halo, and pear cuts also exist.
Ritani is big on price transparency, providing details on the costs of creating each lab-grown diamond, such as fulfillment fees and markups. With lab-grown pieces at just $280 and loose stones starting at $75, the brand's jewelry is perfect for gifting a friend, family member, or fiancé—or treating yourself.
Special Services: Lots of customization options | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and a 30-day return policy (even for custom and engraved rings)
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Samples of jewelry from Clean Origin were not available for testing. We decided to include the brand on our list based on research and editor knowledge.
Clean Origin caters to couples who want to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring with an easy-to-use customization process that includes a wide range of setting styles and diamond cuts. It has a special section of vintage-inspired rings, which include unique stone designs like a demi marquise halo and six precious metal choices. Each engagement ring has an extended lifetime warranty plan, annual jewelry inspection, repairs, and resizing.
The brand also has our favorite collection of lab-created diamond wedding bands (including delicate and modern Danica band), bridal sets, and stackable rings. If you're looking to splurge on something special, check out the line of lab-grown diamond tennis necklaces. They're pricey but still thousands less than you'd pay for a collar made with natural stones.
Clean Origins has a fascinating story and a full-service philosophy. Founder Alexander Weindling left his family's natural diamond company to start the brand, which exclusively sells ethically sourced, eco-friendly, lab-created diamonds. Each member of its customer service team must have a minimum of five years of experience in the industry to ensure that they can provide hands-on expertise and guidance.
Special Services: Virtual appointments, lifetime warranty, payment plans | Shipping and Returns: 100-day return policy
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We loved the angled shape of the band on the James Allen 1-carat Knife-Edge solitaire ring but were a little disappointed that the lab-grown diamond looked a bit buried in the low-profile setting. Thankfully, there are 14 different head styles to choose from and plenty of other customization options available in The Ring Studio.
The four-prong stud earrings we tested were petite but still delivered a dazzling effect, the perfect pair for someone who prefers their jewelry to be subtle and subdued. Standard friction back posts come with the earrings, or you can upgrade to screw backs for an additional $125—a worthwhile investment if you frequently lose earrings.
James Allen specializes in conflict-free natural stones and lab-created diamonds. The brand's website features its proprietary Diamond Display Technology. This game-changing, 360-degree feature lets customers view stones through a virtual jeweler's loupe, taking much of the guesswork out of shopping for a diamond online.
Special Services: 360-degree video customization and try-on tool | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and 30-day returns
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Brides | JHETT THOMPSON
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It's a challenge to find lab-grown diamond jewelry options on the Consider the Wldflwrs website, but it's worth searching to find signature pieces like the Oval Eternity band. Surrounded by dazzling stones, this rock-star statement piece is a bold alternative to a traditional solitaire. Available in seven metal options, it captivated our testers, who imagined a trend-setting bride wearing it as part of a bridal ring stack.
The classic diamond studs felt more appropriate for everyday wear than special occasions. We liked the martini-style settings but found them more expensive than lab-grown diamond studs from many other brands on our list. (A pair of studs set with 0.2-carat stones is more than $700; if you size up to a full carat, you're looking at a price tag of over $2,500.)
The brand's ready-to-ship engagement rings all feature earth-mined stones, so if you've got your heart set on a lab-created diamond, you'll work with the director of bridal sales to design a ring. The process involves virtual consultations, sketches, and 3-D models, so while you'll need to budget extra time—production takes six to eight weeks from start to finish—you'll get exactly the ring you want.
Special Services: In-store and virtual consultations | Shipping and Returns: No refunds on custom orders, store credit within 14 days for ready-to-ship items
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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Beautiful designs and excellent craftsmanship define the Verlas brand, known for its fine and lab-grown jewelry. We were particularly wowed by the brilliance and sparkle of the lab-grown diamonds in the two-carat Enchanting Tennis Bracelet, which are so exquisite, wearers said they felt like princesses. We were also impressed by the artistry of standout pieces like the Tri-Band Round Crescendo Open Ring and the new Toi et Moi Collection, featuring a two-stone design style that captures a sharp and modern design aesthetic.
We love the competitive pricing for lab-grown diamond jewelry, as well as the new collections dropped every season. Additional features like the Verlas Concierge, which offers customers a true bespoke experience, starts with a sketch rendering and goes the extra mile to make your design experience first-class. The try-at-home service allows customers to order replicas of up to three different styles for up to 15 days, free of charge. And if you need to make an exchange, customer service is responsive, especially when it comes to sizing concerns.
Special Services: Try-at-home service, 5-year warranty | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and 60-day return policy
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You won't find any rocks here. Still, the brand's limited selection of lab-grown diamond jewelry includes (under)statement pieces created using the same materials and manufacturers used by the world's most famous jewelry houses. The eternity band and solitaire bezel ring are diminutive but perfect for stacking and a solid buy for anyone on a budget.
The brand's Dalton round brilliant diamond studs sit atop a basket setting, which made them appear to be floating on the tester's earlobes, impressing us with their kaleidoscopic refraction of the testing studio lights. The set arrived in an illuminated box, making a great first impression. Some of the adjectives testers used to describe them include "luxurious," "modern," and "very expensive-looking." They're available in 4-carat weight sizes and come with screw-back posts.
Italic's motto is "luxury without labels." If you're intrigued by lab-grown diamonds but are still deciding whether to make a major investment, this is the place to start.
Special Services: Membership options for added benefits | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping over $75 and refunds for returns within 30 days
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Samples of jewelry from Blue Nile were not available for testing. We decided to include the brand on our list based on research and editor knowledge.
Since launching in 1999, Blue Nile has become one of the world's most trusted online jewelry retailers, and that reputation extends to its selection of lab-created diamond jewelry. Made in partnership with Lightbox, the collection includes build-your-own solitaire engagement rings. Select the carat weight, color, cut, and clarity (or set a price range), and the website filters setting styles to suit your stone choice.
If you want a ring that's ready to ship, browse the brand's non-traditional options, including the Bypass rings, which feature one round and one princess cut stone—the princess cut lab-created diamond can be traditional white, pink, or blue. Other lab-created diamond pieces include pendant necklaces and tennis bracelets.
Special Services: Complimentary servicing and cleaning | Shipping and Returns: Free shipping and returns
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Our experience with the Miadonna pieces triggered some Goldilocks effect. Our testers thought the 1-carat diamond stone in the Tracie engagement ring looked too big set against the tapered cathedral band. Still, the diamond was mesmerizing, and you can choose the stone size that suits your taste. (It's important to remember that bigger isn't necessarily better when choosing an engagement ring.)
On the other hand, the lab-created diamonds in the basket stud earrings we tested seemed too small, so we'd suggest sizing up. Choose the diamonds that fit your current style and budget, then trade them in for a larger stone size when ready. The brand will apply the original purchase price toward your upgraded pair.
The website's "build your ring" process is glitchy. Filtering the stone options takes time to load, and you don't get to see a photo of the ring with the customizations you've chosen before you check out. The head options are limited to four- and six-prong styles, but you can choose from seven metal options—yellow, white, or rose gold in 14k or 18k and platinum. We love the concept of the brand's home try-on program—it will ship four sample rings to you so you can have a hands-on experience finding your favorite.
Special Services: Virtual and in-person appointments | Shipping and Returns: Free, insured 2-day shipping, returns and exchanges within 30 days for full-priced items (one item per customer
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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Helzberg's Light Heart lab-created diamond jewelry collection sits alongside the century-old jeweler's natural diamond capsules from designers like Zac Posen and Jenny Packham. So when it came time to test, we called in both grown and earth-mined engagement rings. One eagle-eyed tester could only tell the difference by examining both pieces with a magnifying loupe, which revealed a slight inclusion in the natural stone. Once she'd slipped the lab-created ring on her finger, she was swept up by the same sparkle and glamor the natural diamond ring delivered.
Like the ring, our testers agreed that the stud earrings looked and felt high-quality and exhibited the timeless design hallmarks that distinguish a piece of heirloom jewelry. The princess-cut stones were perfectly matched and just big enough to turn heads without overwhelming the eye of the beholder. The screw-back posts provided reassurance that the delicate studs won't fall out if, say, they get caught in the fabric of a knit dress as you pull it over your head. (It's happened to us.)
There's a reputation for quality—and a great story—behind the Helzberg brand. Fun fact: The brand ordains its sales associates in case engagement ring clients decide to elope inside one of their stores.
Special Services: Sales associates are ordained so clients can get married at the store | Shipping and Returns: Free ground shipping over $99; free returns within 30 days
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Samples of jewelry from Mejuri were not available for testing. We decided to include the brand on our list based on research and editor knowledge.
Mejuri offers lab-grown diamond jewelry for the sustainable bride. Along with simply stunning ring options like the Lab Grown Diamond Solo Ring, you'll find wedding bands, tennis bracelets, necklaces, stud earrings, and stackable options. Prices are on the lower side, making Mejuri a place to shop for high-quality yet budget-friendly pieces.
Mejuri as a brand notes its commitment to positive change through its selection of fine jewelry. It prioritizes responsible sourcing for its jewelry products.
Special Services: Piercing studios and styling appointments are available | Shipping and Returns: Free ground shipping over $150; returns within 30 days with SCS certification
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Samples of jewelry from Sun & Selene were not available for testing. We decided to include the brand on our list based on research and editor knowledge.
Sun & Selene, a Black-owned and woman-owned business, offers sustainable, fine-crafted jewelry in beautifully modern and vintage-inspired designs. We love unique options like the Eternal Orbit and Circle rings inspired by the magic of the moon. Be sure to select a lab-grown diamond on the product page for the item you're looking at. The brand offers both natural and lab-grown diamonds along with other precious gems and creates uniquely designed bracelets, charms, pendants, earrings, and necklaces alongside its rings.
Special Services: Store locations are available, studio events | Shipping and Returns: Free standard shipping; returns within 30 days
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Samples of jewelry from Gorjana were not available for testing. We decided to include the brand on our list based on research and editor knowledge.
Gorjana offers an assortment of dazzling pieces, including the Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Ring. We love that it's an understated piece with plenty of sparkle, thanks to the 14k gold and band of diamonds (totaling 0.83 carats).
To be sure you select a piece with lab-grown diamonds, shop this page of lab grown diamond jewelry. The collection includes rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Each features sparkly rows of diamonds and beautiful yellow gold for a classic look.
Special Services: Store locations are available, partners with charitable organizations | Shipping and Returns: Free standard shipping; returns within 30 days
How to Shop for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry
Like any significant investment, when shopping for a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, it's essential to research before buying. (Our vetted list is the best place to start!) Most trusted retailers will have an in-depth FAQ page highlighting how and where their lab-grown diamonds are made, how customers can choose their perfect stone, and details on certification, shipping, and return policies.
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Brides / Mehroz Kapadia
Since lab-grown diamonds share the same optical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, they are graded on the same scale of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. Lab-grown diamond engagement rings are also offered in scores of different styles, settings, and metals to suit all aesthetics. While many lab-grown options are less expensive than their natural counterparts, you can still pay a significant amount for a piece, depending on the quality of the stone and its setting. Lab-grown diamond jewelry can range from under $500 to over $70,000, depending on size, quality, and setting type. Once you've found your dream lab-grown diamond engagement ring, you should receive and review its lab certification.
How We Tested
To find the best places to buy lab-grown diamond jewelry, the Brides team spent hours researching the top lab-grown diamond companies, evaluating quality, range of styles, customer service, shipping and return policies, and overall value. We also interviewed leading gemologists and jewelry experts for their insights on the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds and tips on choosing pieces to suit any style and budget.
Then, the Brides team welcomed Dr. Ulrika D'Haenens-Johanssen, a research scientist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), to our New York City Lab, where she walked us through lab-grown diamond production and the differences (and similarities) between lab-grown and mined diamonds. She used a diamond reading device to inspect the pieces called in from various retailers. She also helped guide our hands-on evaluations and comparison of lab-created diamonds with natural stones.
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Bride | Jhett Thompson
"The machine can detect a spectrum of color that we cannot see with our eyes, and it analyzes that data," says Dr. D'Haenens-Johanssen. “The device looks for an unnatural signature, which means it is a natural diamond." The device can detect slight inclusions of particles only present in mined diamonds. "A strong UV light of a specific wavelength is emitted through the probe, which can detect atomic structural differences unique to each diamond through growth and history." Lab-grown diamonds don't have those tiny imperfections.
Brides | Jhett Thompson
Brides editorial staffers tried on the lab-grown diamond pieces and compared them to naturally mined diamonds. We asked our editorial testers for feedback on things like first impressions, purchasing intention, knowledge of the jewelry brands, and their perspective on what consumers—both brides and lovers of diamond baubles—would think of buying or receiving a lab-grown diamond. "I'm a fan of lab-grown diamonds because they're more affordable," says tester Jessica Chassin. "It seems like you can't distinguish between a natural and lab-grown diamond from the naked eye."
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
Staffers tested stud earrings and eight solitaire engagement rings from 10 different lab-grown diamond brands. Three traditionally mined diamond rings were on hand for comparison.
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Brides | Jhett Thompson
Most lab-grown diamonds are sustainably grown and ethically sourced, making them an eco-friendly choice you can feel proud to wear. When first introduced to the market, lab-grown diamonds were considered facsimiles of natural diamonds. Today, jewelry made using lab-created diamonds is more popular than ever and available in various styles, shapes, cuts, and settings. "At the start of testing, I kept mistakenly saying that I couldn't tell the difference between the lab-grown diamonds and the "real" [natural] diamonds," says tester Bronwyn Barnes. "After hearing the GIA scientist explain that lab-grown diamonds were real diamonds, it sunk in that the only major difference between lab and natural diamonds is the process by which they are made."
Why Trust Brides
The Brides team spent over 100 hours researching the scientific properties of lab-grown diamonds and the top companies that produce them. We evaluated brands based on quality, range of styles, customer service, shipping and return policies, and overall value. We spoke with scientists and industry experts to get the most up-to-date insights on lab-grown diamonds and their value to the customer. The Brides team also tested 21 diamond pieces (earrings and rings) in our NYC-based testing lab. We brought in Dr. Ulrika D'Haenens-Johanssen, a research scientist and diamond expert from the Gemologist Institute of America (GIA). She examined and tested each product individually, using a GIA-developed device that determines whether a diamond is natural or lab-created.
Author Mary Park holds a Graduate Diamonds diploma from the Gemological Institute of America. As a jewelry expert, Ms. Park has years of experience working at Tiffany & Co. and in Christie's Auctions & Private Sales jewelry department. Additional authors Kate Donovan and Sophie Moore have collectively spent 15 years contributing to Brides, covering everything from registry and wedding decor to engagement rings and accessories.
- Dr. Ulrika D'Haenens-Johansson is the NYC-based senior manager of diamond research at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She has a PhD in Physics, concentrating on studying the light spectrum in diamonds.
- Brenda Harwick is a Senior Instructor at the GIA campus in Carlsbad, California. GIA has been a gem grading, analysis, research, and education resource since 1931. In addition to offering online classes, GIA has eight campuses, three research centers, and 10 laboratories worldwide.
- Wade Abel is the Las Vegas-based director of gemological services at the American Gem Society (AGS) laboratories. Founded in 1934, AGS was created by a group of jewelers to help establish ethical practices and consumer trust within the industry.
- Lisa Rosen is the CEO of the International Gem Society (IGS), an online gemological community and education site. Since 1998, IGS has been a resource for professional jewelers, gemologists, and amateur gem enthusiasts.
- Avi Levy is the president of the International Gemological Institute (IGI) North America, a worldwide organization that offers extensive training, gemstone grading, and evaluation. IGI operates 20 laboratories and 14 gemological educational campuses worldwide.
