Gem Certification services (DGC), the worlds first ISO certified gem certification service for diamonds, gemstones, pearls, and jewellery items was launched by the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) on December 4, 2005. This unique service allows jewellery traders and consumers to certify all varieties of gemstones and items of jewellery from renowned certification entities worldwide. DGC is currently based in the Convention Tower, World Trade Centre Complex, Dubai, until DMCCs towers are completed. DGC will be launched to the trade through a seminar titled �The Importance of Certification Standards on Dec 7 to coincide with the Dubai Watch and Jewellery Show.

DGC will provide an efficient and speedy turnaround for members as well as information and advisory services in diamonds, gemstones, pearls and jewellery items certification. The DGC has entered into partnership agreements with leading institutions from across the world to offer first class diamonds, gemstones, pearls and jewellery certificates such as the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL), the world-renowned Gubelin Gem Laboratory and Directorate of Precious Metals & Gem Stones Testing, Kingdom of Bahrain. These institutions boast the presence of leading gemmologists as well as the trust of the global gems and jewellery trade.

"The Dubai Gem Certification is an initiative to ensure that the gems and jewellery trade in the region is provided with the means to apply international standards in our markets. It will promote ethical and transparent trade practices and provide that competitive edge to regional businesses. The reputation of our members will be enhanced further as they will be seen to set and maintain the highest possible standards of business ethics and professionalism in the jewellery industry,� said Tawfic Farah, Executive Director, Diamonds and Coloured Stones, DMCC. Laurent Grenier de Cardenal, Director � Coloured Stones & Gem Certification Services, of the DGC, said: "The DGC service will have a reputation for integrity in the business community and will at the same time build confidence amongst the buyers and the public in our gems and jewellery industry. We aim to be a standard of excellence that will bring us international esteem and recognition and will create a new benchmark in gem and jewellery certification."

The creation of DGC enhances DMCCs portfolio of industry-specific market infrastructure designed for the diamond and coloured stones segments.