GIA Offers New Diamond Grading Services

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. – The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is introducing several new diamond grading services and restructuring its diamond grading fee structure. These changes will become effective June 4, 2007.

“The GIA Laboratory is committed to bringing the best possible laboratory services to our clients,” said Tom Moses, senior vice president of GIA Laboratory and Research. “We’re working on several levels to bring this about: from offering new services at new prices to expanding our geographic base to be closer to our customers.”

First, GIA is expanding the range of the carat weight size of its Diamond Grading Report services that will now be offered on diamonds weighing 0.15 ct and larger while the GIA Diamond Dossier® Services (as GIA announced last week) will be offered on diamonds weighing 0.15 ct to 1.99 ct. Fees vary by carat weight.

GIA is also introducing a new, Diamond Type Analysis Service. Loose, natural diamonds may be submitted to the GIA Laboratory for analysis to determine diamond type: Ia, Ib, IIa, or IIb. This service is supplemental to a GIA Diamond Grading Report, Colored Diamond Grading Report, or Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report either issued previously or at the time of analysis. The fee varies depending on whether the results are disclosed verbally or if a letter describing the results is issued.

In addition, GIA is offering a new ability to print actual inscribed graphics or inscribed logos directly on all GIA Diamond Reports and Dossiers. Instead of describing the logo using alpha-numeric text, customers can now request to have their inscription graphic or logo displayed on the report. With this new GIA Inscription Service, the “Inscription” or “Additional Inscription” line item on the grading report will be used to report both GIA and client-performed inscriptions. No distinction will be made between the two inscriptions.

Finally, GIA is changing its Recheck and Final Observation fees. According to Moses, “These secondary services demand the time of our most senior and experienced technical staff, yet only a small percentage of items submitted actually result in a grade change. After much consideration, we decided it was neither cost-effective nor an efficient use of resources to continue with the previous fee structure.”

“The new fees…more accurately reflect the time, resources and expertise involved in providing these services. However, in keeping with our policy, if the Recheck and Final Observation service results in a change to the diamond’s grade, there will be no charge.”

Moses said, “GIA is aggressively looking for ways to improve internal efficiencies and improve service to our clients. We hope to announce new services and other improvements regularly throughout the year.”

About GIA:

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at http://www.gia.edu/. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112.