GIA Opens Laboratories in Israel and Japan

New Laboratories in Israel and Japan
GIA opened two new diamond grading laboratories in 2012: one in Ramat Gan, Israel and one in Tokyo, Japan. These facilities, the eighth and ninth GIA global laboratories, are the latest steps in the Institute’s efforts to expand its ability to fulfill its mission to ensure the public trust in gems. By bringing industry-leading diamond grading services directly to important gem markets, GIA is making its services more easily accessible to laboratory clients.
 
“Offering GIA’s diamond grading standards and research-backed lab services to these important markets serves the public interest by supporting the Israeli and Japanese gem and jewelry industries,” said Tom Moses, GIA senior vice president for laboratory and research. “Our global network of laboratories enables GIA to remain at the forefront of gemological developments and provide the best possible service to our laboratory clients.”
 
Both facilities offer Diamond Dossier® and Diamond Grading Report services for colorless diamonds up to 2.99 cts. Additional services may be added in the future.
 
A reservation system for direct submission to the Israel facility, located in the diamond center of Tel Aviv, enables clients to schedule drop-off and pick-up appointments, eliminating the need to wait on-site to submit stones for grading services. They are also able to monitor the progress of their services online. If reservations are not available, clients can submit stones through GIA LabDirect consolidators who provide take-in services. Consolidators also take in diamonds larger than 2.99 carats, fancy color diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls.
 
The Tokyo lab also takes in colored stones and pearls for any other GIA services. At this time, those gems will be sent to another GIA global laboratory and returned to Tokyo for pick-up. GIA plans to expand the menu of services offered by its Tokyo facility in the coming months.
 
GIA began its global expansion in 2008, adding diamond grading services to its Bangkok laboratory and opening new laboratory facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa; Gaborone, Botswana; and Mumbai, India. In 2010, a lab opened in Hong Kong and a ninth facility is slated to open in Japan later this year.
 
All gemstones submitted to GIA anywhere in the world may be sent to any GIA laboratory, ensuring the equal, unbiased and neutral examination based on the rigorous and consistent standards that characterize all of GIA’s gem identification and grading services.