Published: 4:59pm, 10 Feb 2026, Hong Kong, – In response to the evolving dynamics of the global diamond market and the specific needs requested from the Industry, PAGI Institute is advancing its laboratory capabilities with the introduction of a branded certification program for laboratory-grown diamonds. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing tailored, credible, and economically sustainable solutions for the modern gem and jewelry industry.

The new certification development is driven by several critical factors observed within the market:
Market сoncerns: the cases of misrepresentation, when laboratory-grown diamonds are replaced with diamond simulants such as synthetic moissanite or Cubic Zirconia (CZ), have underscored the necessity for reliable and accessible identification and documentation.
Economic disparity in assessment: The continuing decline in the production cost of lab-grown diamonds has rendered the traditional certification model—designed for and priced according to natural diamonds—financially disproportionate. The resource-intensive process of full, granular grading is often inconsistent with the value proposition of most of lab-grown stones.
Credibility of current certificates: The prevalence of low-cost certificates approving comprehensive grading has raised legitimate concerns regarding their accuracy and the worth of the assessment process they imply, potentially undermining confidence in the marketplace.

The PAGI Institute Methodology: Precision, Pragmatism, and Transparency
Acknowledging that market participants rely on the established 4C framework while seeking greater process efficiency, PAGI Institute has implemented a structured, two-levels certification system.
“PAGI DIAMOND Essential Report”
Designed for lab-grown diamonds up to 2 carats, this kind of report utilizes a modified grading approach to balance detail with operational efficiency.
Grading parameters: 
Key characteristics (Color and Clarity) are reported as guaranteed value ranges (e.g., Color: D-F; Clarity: FL-VVS), providing a definitive quality level.
Innovative criteria: the Essential report includes a new criteria as Brilliance grade, focusing on the stone’s optical performance (alternative for Cut, Polish and Symmetry grading criterias).
Objective: This methodology streamlines the assessment process, enabling the production of a secure, verifiable certificate at a cost structure appropriate for the product category, thereby reducing the relative financial pressure of certification.

“PAGI DIAMOND Report”
For all diamonds above 2 carats or upon specific client request, the (full)  Report offers a complete and detailed assessment. This certificate provides single-grade precision across all criteria, sticking with the comprehensive standards expected for high-value gemstones.

All PAGI certificates incorporate multiple security features and are registered in PAGI secure online database. The authenticity of any report can be instantly verified at pagi.institute/verify.

The new PAGI Certification represents a logical progression of our laboratory’s & educational development. It exemplifies our commitment to applying expert gemmological knowledge in a manner that addresses contemporary market realities—ensuring integrity, building trust, and supporting the responsible growth of the industry.