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GIA To Issue Reports for Rubies and Sapphires.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has updated its identification reports for colored gemstones. Rubies, sapphires, and alexandrites will now receive their own gem-specific reports, according to the GIA. In the past, only emeralds received their own reports.
Due to "increasingly sophisticated treatments" for gemstones today, more research and time is required to identify and analyze gemstones, said Tom Moses, senior vice president of the GIA Laboratory and Research. "As a result, we continue to expand our testing processes."
Identification reports will be available for unmounted or mounted gemstones and provide "better descriptions, more detail, and more information on treatments," according to the GIA's statement.
Moses said, "Through collaborative efforts with various trade groups within the color gemstone industry, our goal is to provide our clients with the most thorough research and clear reporting available. Specifically, our new ruby and sapphire reports reflect the harmonized disclosure nomenclature that GIA has been developing with other gemological labs around the world through the Laboratory Manual Harmonization Committee."
The fee schedule is divided into four categories: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Alexandrite Services; Gemstone Identification (for other gemstones;) Pearl Services; and Additional Services, which include the updating and verification of previous reports.
In other news from the GIA, the organization is providing diamond cut grading seminars in select cities.
"We developed these free cut grade seminars to provide industry trade members with the opportunity to learn the new grading system through hands-on training," said Brook Ellis, GIA's vice president of education.
During these free seminars, for round brilliant cut diamonds, attendees will gain practical experience in estimating cut grade; judging brightness, fire, and pattern; assessing a diamond's proportions; and grading polish and symmetry to estimate its cut grade. By learning the cut grade system firsthand, attendees will be better able to explain this system to their customers. Previous diamond grading experience or training is required. All attendees must also have a working knowledge of GIA's International Diamond Grading System.
Seminars will be held at GIA's campuses in Carlsbad, California; Los
Angeles, and in New York. Additional seminars are scheduled for: Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; Yellowknife and Montreal, Canada; and Johannesburg, South Africa.
