(PRESS RELEASE) Thailand — The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gemological laboratory, recently analyzed and graded a 6.18 carat round brilliant-cut, loose stone and established it was a lab-grown diamond at its Thailand location. The stone was submitted for verification purposes, and came with a GIA certificate that stated it was a natural diamond, D color, flawless clarity and triple excellent cut, reinforcing the growing importance of secondary review from gemological institutes.
“This is the largest lab-grown diamond ever certified by a leading gemological laboratory, where the sole purpose was to pass off a lab-grown stone as natural,” said IGI Thailand and Hong Kong Managing Director Bob Van Es. “At IGI, we have seen a huge increase in double verification demand, which means before going for a major purchase, consumers like to receive confirmation that the stone matches the original report.”
While qualities of the stone closely corresponded to the GIA report, IGI’s expert gemologists quickly ascertained — using state-of-the-art detection equipment — that the diamond was lab-grown and was cut and polished specifically to match the data on the GIA report with meticulous precision previously never seen. To further the deception, the stone was inscribed with a fake laser number, which has become a practice for persons outside of the industry to purposely and easily mislead consumers.
“A second opinion ensures the integrity of diamonds through detailed analysis, which is an extra, necessary buffer that protects consumers from purchasing misrepresented gemstones,” said IGI CEO Roland Lorie. “As fraud becomes more apparent, IGI continues to demonstrate its expertise in identifying this malpractice and serving as the end authority for consumers to trust that Institute-certified jewelry is accurately graded and analyzed.”
Without certification, consumers are at risk of purchasing gemstones that are not consistent with their general descriptions. IGI is proud to provide consumers the fifth “C,” — confidence. The Institute’s long-standing reputation of world-class verification and reporting allows fine jewelry shoppers to have confidence in the quality and value of their purchase.
To learn more about IGI and the Institute’s offerings, visit www.igi.org and gemblog.igi.org.
Advertisement
Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
