De Beers announced last week that polished diamonds with reports from its International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research (IIDGR) could be listed on RapNet.
De Beers revealed in February that it was expanding its IIDGR diamond grading service into the Middle East, Indian and European markets. At the time, the service had only been pilot tested in the “Far East”.
A De Beers statement explained that the recent development meant IIDGR joined “a handful” of other grading laboratories that were permitted to list on RapNet, which would help promote the new service internationally.
“We are pleased to have arrived at this agreement, which reflects the growing demand for our innovative, technology-driven grading services,” IIDGR president Jonathan Kendall said.
Another diamond grading laboratory that has joined the “handful” of companies listed on RapNet is GHI Gemological Laboratory.
The US-based business was launched mid-2015 by Mitch Jakubovic, who is also the director of EGL USA.
As previously reported by Jeweller, EGL USA – along with various other EGL-branded diamond grading laboratories – was barred from listing on RapNet as a result of the high-profile diamond over-grading debate that made international headlines in September 2014.
Commenting on the new listing, GHI executive manager Deborah Jakubovic said, “People rely on us for skilful identification, deep gemmological knowledge, and our ability to cut through clutter – to create clarity of information for everyone in the purchase process. As part of RapNet, we plan to bring that clarity to a broader audience than ever before.”
GHI indicated it would introduce additional reports, services and resources in the coming months.
RapNet, owned by Rapaport Group, claims to be the world’s largest diamond trading network with more than 14,000 members in 88 countries.
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