Previously, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Diamond Origin Reports were only available for colourless diamonds. However, the organisation has now approved processes for identifying when a polished stone matches a rough on file, thereby creating a record of that diamond’s origin.
“In recent years, there has been a growing demand for transparency and traceability in the diamond industry. Consumers want to know the origin of products and their socio-economic and environmental impact,” Susan Jacques, GIA president and CEO, said.
“The GIA Diamond Origin Report fits perfectly with GIA’s mission of educating and protecting the public, and ensuring their trust in gems and jewellery.”
The process involves analysing, testing and recording the characteristics of each rough stone submitted for grading, and then assigning an identification number.
When a polished stone is returned to the GIA for grading, the laboratory will see if it has an identification number matching a rough stone on file.
If a match is found, the natural fancy-colour diamond is then put through the same tests and analysis as the rough was to confirm it’s the same stone.
“If the data from the polished diamond and the rough match, GIA will confirm the country of origin provided by the mining company, and include that information on the Diamond Origin Report,” Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer, said.
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Inside the fascinating world of natural colour diamonds
Present and future challenges for natural coloured diamonds
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