GIA Opens Gem Laboratory in Japan

CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is now offering diamond grading services in Tokyo.  The Institute's ninth global laboratory brings industry-leading diamond grading to Japan, one of the world's largest markets for gems and jewelry. The new lab will accept diamonds for grading directly from clients beginning today, Dec. 3, 2012.

The GIA laboratory in Tokyo lab will initially offer Diamond Dossier® and Diamond Grading Report services for D to Z diamonds up to 2.99 cts. The Tokyo lab will also take in colored stones and pearls for any other GIA services. At this time, those gems will be sent to another GIA global laboratory lab and returned to Tokyo for pick-up. GIA plans to expand the menu of services offered by its Tokyo facility in the coming months.

"Bringing GIA's diamond grading standards and research-backed lab services to such an important market will serve the public interest by supporting the Japanese gem and jewelry industry," 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."

GIA's intention to open a gem grading laboratory in Japan was announced in December, 2011, following extensive consultations with Japanese stakeholders. The facility in Tokyo is GIA's ninth global laboratory and the seventh outside of the United States. GIA has offered educational programs in Japan since the 1970s and there are nearly 4,000 holders of the Graduate Gemologist diploma, the most advance certification offered by the Institute, in Japan.

"Providing grading services to the gem and jewelry sector where they operate central to GIA's practice," said Mari Okada, manager of the GIA laboratory in Tokyo. "We are excited to open a laboratory in Tokyo to complement GIA's long-standing educational presence in Japan."

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. 

Those interested in using GIA laboratory services in Japan should call +81-3-5812-3215 or fax +81-3-3836-3280.

About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, 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. Visit www.gia.edu. 

CONTACT: Jen Roche, +1-917-554-3403, [email protected]

SOURCE Gemological Institute of America