GIA Lab Updates Reporting on Laser Manufacturing Remnants

In response to increased use of laser technologies in the diamond manufacturing process, the GIA Laboratory decided to update its method of reporting laser markings on a diamond, differentiating between a deliberate ‘laser treatment’ on a diamond and an ‘unintended laser manufacturing remnant.

Laser manufacturing remnants are unintentional characteristics of the manufacturing process. They do not represent a deliberate attempt to alter the diamond’s clarity grade or appearance. They include surface grooves, surfacing-reaching marks, or completely internal marks, which may be associated with surrounding fractures.

According to the GIA Laboratory senior vice president Tom Moses, the GIA is updating its method of reporting these features.

Previously, GIA reported internal remnants as “laser drilling,” surface remnants were called “laser grooves,” and diamonds with laser manufacturing remnants were said to have laser treatments.

These unintended surface remains will be noted in the report’s clarity portion, rather than being noted in the “comments” field. Intentional laser drilling, both internal and surface-reaching, will be reported as usual.

The GIA said Friday that people who have a diamond accompanied by a GIA report with entries in the comments field noting ”internal laser drilling” or “laser grooves”, may resubmit those diamonds to the GIA Laboratory at no charge for a reevaluation of the characteristics and how they are reported.

The lab is requesting submitters to indicate that the diamond is being submitted for review of laser characteristics and include the original report.