Who is the GIA?

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the first internationally accepted Diamond Grading System. This system provides unbiased opinions of the quality of polished diamonds by applying uniform criteria to their grading. GIA also introduced the first diamond grading report that utilizes this system in setting the standard for diamond quality documentation around the world.

The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory maintains its independence by refraining from any involvement in the buying, selling or appraising of gems and jewelry. A Diamond Grading Report written by the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory or one of its affiliates describes a diamond's weight, proportions, finish, color grade, and clarity grade. No valuation is stated.

Information provided courtesy of the Gemological Institute of America.

The GIA Gem Trade Laboratory Diamond Grading Report has become the benchmark for the international gem and jewelry industry. Appropriately, the language developed and taught by GIA provides a universal way of communicating the quality of a diamond, regardless of geographic location. Today, the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory issues diamond grading reports on the majority of high quality diamonds over one carat in size. It examines most of the world's important stones, including the famous Hope Diamond. And because its only affiliation is with the world's foremost nonprofit educational organization for the gem and jewelry industry, you can trust GIA GTL to provide you with an independent, objective opinion regarding the quality of your diamond.

Throughout its 67-year history, the Institute has maintained a strict ethics policy and holds itself to this code, which has protected and enhanced its reputation throughout the decades. In effect, GIA cannot and does not compete with the gem and jewelry trade, which allows it to fulfill its nonprofit mission and effectively serve the public at large.

Headquartered in New York, with additional labs in Carlsbad, California, and Tokyo, Japan, the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory is the industry leader in diamond grading, gem identification and research. All procedures are designed to ensure optimum accuracy and consistency. Meticulous recordkeeping and routing techniques assure that each stone is given top security and care in handling. Every stone is screened and authenticated, with full coverage for client protection. The Laboratory facilities are specially designed for efficiency, with the most sophisticated equipment and computerization available. But the most important factors in our equation of excellence are the training, experience and care of the Laboratory's expert graders. Each stone is carefully checked and re-checked by numerous professionals in order to assure maximum accuracy and grading consistency.