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Tremendous Demand Forcing GIA Diamond Grading Labs To Expand At Rapid Pace
A Diamond Grader In Action
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is expanding both its East and West coast laboratories to meet increased international and stateside demand for diamond grading reports and other laboratory services.
Following a year of planning, construction has begun at the both GIA's headquarters in New York and its laboratory in Carlsbad, Calif. Demands on lab services have shown steady growth, according to a GIA press release, and through aggressive hiring, the institute has boosted the number of personnel handling grading, gemological identification, research, and support to nearly 700 people.
Since 2001, the total number of items processed by the institute's laboratory has increased by more than 20 percent each year, according to GIA Laboratory CEO Thomas C. Yonelunas. In 2004, demand for all GIA labs' diamond grading services rose by 22 percent, GIA Diamond Dossier services demand grew by 49 percent, the need for fancy colored diamond services rose by 28.5 percent, and demand for diamond inscription services rose 35 percent.
"The number of reports generated annually is astounding, and we are constantly searching for ways to better serve our clients," Yonelunas said in GIA's release. He added that the institute has restructured its procedures to ensure greater efficiency, while also investing in staff growth, facilities expansion and infrastructure development to keep pace with rising demand.
When construction is complete, GIA's New York location will have added 11,500 square feet, for a total of 32,500 square feet. Lab space in Carlsbad will more than double, to a total of 85,500 square feet. The multiple-phase remodeling efforts on both coasts are scheduled for completion the end of 2005. In New York, this includes remodeling the education center and adding space to expand the grading laboratory. Renovations of the grading laboratory, research, identification services, and other laboratory-support functions in both locations are also scheduled.
Good news for those of use submitting diamonds for grading as we can expect faster turn-around-time.
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