GIA Awarded ‘Best Gemstone Testing Lab of the Year for Loose Stones’

All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation marks inaugural awards program with winners named in two key lab categories

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Jan. 19, 2011 – GIA (Gemological Institute of America) today announced that it was awarded “Best Gemstone Testing Lab of the Year” in the “Loose Stones” category at the first-ever National Jewellery Awards organized by the All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation. The recognition underscores the Institute’s leadership in India, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of polished, loose diamonds.

The accolade, presented at the Intercontinental Hotel in Mumbai on Jan. 7, reflects the Federation’s efforts to honor the best of India’s domestic jewelry industry including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, grading labs and logistics providers. The National Jewellery Awards support the Federation’s mission to promote and grow the trade of gems and jewelry throughout India.

GIA was chosen by members of the trade and received the maximum number of votes to win top honors. Nirupa Bhatt (see photo, right), managing director of GIA India and Middle East, accepted the award on behalf of the GIA team.

“Since we established our laboratory in India in 2008, our team has worked diligently to reach out to the industry across the country,” Bhatt said. “In addition, the Institute has invested heavily in research and development to provide the most up-to-date information to the market for more than 80 years. This research forms a solid foundation for the high standards of our internationally recognized laboratory services and grading practices.”

Added Bhatt, “This recognition by the trade only reaffirms our belief in the important connection between gemological education and grading. We are very honored to receive the award.”