GIA Extends Origin Reports to Colored Diamonds

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will offer provenance reports for colored diamonds, expanding its existing service matching polished to the original rough. The organization analyzes the physical measurements andother scientific data from natural rough stones and assigns each a uniqueidentification number. When a polished diamond bearing that same rough ID is submitted forgrading, the GIA puts the polished through the same tests the rough went through. If the two results match, the lab will confirmthe country of origin for the polished based on information from the mining company that supplied the rough. The GIA launched the report for white diamonds in March as part of its Mine to Market (M2M) program. "Reaction to the GIA Diamond Origin Report is verypositive," Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and researchofficer, said Friday. "There is strong interest in this program fromminers, manufacturers and retailers. We are adding capacity for evaluatingrough diamonds to meet the strong demand." The new report will include the country of origin fornatural colored diamonds, a full 4Cs quality analysis, and a report-numberinscription, the GIA noted. Information about the country of origin and diamondformation for each report will be accessible on the GIA's site. "There is recognition across the diamond value chain of thepotential for building consumer trust with scientifically confirmed diamondorigin," said Anna Martin, GIA senior vice president for global businessdevelopment and beneficiation. "Consumers clearly want to know more about theirgems - where they come from, how they are produced, and how their purchasescontribute to the well-being and sustainability of gem-producing communities." Image: Colored diamonds. (Alrosa)