The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) launched its new Diamond Sealing Service at the IIJS – 2009 in Mumbai, recently, with Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO, announcing the launch with Nirupa Bhatt, GIA managing director for India and the Middle East. The Diamond Sealing Service seals diamonds and the key grading information in a credit card-sized sealed package. The sealed package contains multiple security features, including the GIA hologram ensuring neither the stone nor information like report number, primary gemological details including report date, shape and the Four Cs, are tampered with. The packet identifies the grading is conducted by GIA and that the report information fits the stone. The service applies to D-to-Z diamonds with a GIA Diamond Grading Report or a GIA Diamond Dossier®, and coloured diamonds with a GIA Colored Diamond Grading Report.

Baker said, “GIA has been vigorously offering a wider array of services to accommodate the needs of its many different customers throughout the industry and the general public. As we continue to expand globally, we’re providing additional options and finding more opportunities to help solve customer problems in that market,” she added. “In particular, we are interested in offering services that promote worldwide industry standards and reinforce consumer confidence.”

The Service can be ordered either at the time of grading for a fee of US$9 per stone or the stone can be resubmitted for the Service for US$9 charge, with an additional grading fee applied. The Sealing Service can be requested at all GIA Laboratories or take-in locations worldwide, as well as online through GIA’s client portal, “My Laboratory.”

Bhatt said, “As the world’s largest diamond cutting and manufacturing center, India is also a clearing house for many diamond markets, some of which increasingly request this type of benefit. We are pleased to offer it to all our clients in this region and around the world.”