The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has recently performed a complete makeover of its portal -www.gia.edu, to strengthen the communicating its deliverables in a more effective and streamlined manner. The revamping process was undertaken in consultation with Extractable, a Silicon Valley-based web development company, which assessed the needs of the user and visitors’ behavior, in order to render the required modifications in the site’s infrastructure, functionality, look and feel, and content.

Fresh modern graphics, enhanced search capabilities, streamlined navigation and reorganised content are part of the new additions. Also, new and/or enhanced interactive tools: a timeline depicting GIA’s 78-year history, a map of all GIA locations worldwide, Report Anatomies for GIA Diamond, Colored Stone and Pearl Reports, expanded Report Check services that now include Colored Diamond Grading Reports; and a News from Research feature, which provides article downloads of the latest gemological updates from GIA’s international research team have been introduced. Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, said, “The goal is to make the GIA Web site the destination of choice for anyone seeking the best, up-to-date gemological information.”

Another makeover has been for the entryway into “My GIA,” the Institute’s password-protected portal. Through ‘My GIA’ students can access various eLearning courses and submit their theories. The portal also serves prospects, Laboratory clients and employees in targeted community environments. It has a ‘My Laboratory’ online lab service, which allows clients with round-the-clock access to their accounts. “The redesign has been a massive project, but it’s only the beginning of GIA’s new online presence. We now have a stronger architecture that will allow us to strategically add content and functionality in all areas,” said Baker. She added “Our goal is to make GIA increasingly accessible to people around the world, with greater ability to get them the information and services they want instantly. In doing so, we better serve all our constituents, furthering our nonprofit mission of building global standards to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry”.

Popular and older readings can also be found on the new website – like The Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center, issues of Gems & Gemology, the Institute’s award-winning research publication and more.