Founded in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored gemstones and pearls, and recently it was recognized as one of the most ethical organizations in the world. It was this Institute that created the “4Cs” and the International Diamond Grading System™ which serve as the worldwide standards for evaluating diamond quality to this day. For over 80 years, GIA researchers continue to introduce innovations and implement the Institute’s primary mission - to strengthen and maintain public confidence and trust towards diamonds and gemstones around the world. Stephen Morisseau, GIA's Director of Public Relations, gave this interview to Rough & Polished.
Congratulations on the "Most Ethical Company" title that has been recently awarded to Gemological Institute of America by The Ethisphere Institute! Please tell us what were the criteria to be recognized as one of the most ethical companies in the world? What does this title mean to your organization?
We’re honored to be included in this annual list, as we strive to exceed ethical standards each day, in every sector of our organization across the globe. GIA’s ethics program promotes the integrity, respect, results, teamwork and leadership among all of our staff members. To be included in the annual list of WME Companies, organizations must demonstrate an active role in promoting ethical business practices internally and exceeding legal compliance standards. The designation recognizes GIA’s efforts to build and maintain a superior ethics and compliance program, which is part of the Institute’s mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry.
How does GIA set its research priorities given the large number of potential industry concerns especially with regards to synthetic or lab-created diamonds and gemological advancements?
Research is the foundation of our public benefit mission, and that mission defines our priorities. With millions of gems entrusted to GIA for grading each year, our researchers have an exceptional opportunity to see the products of new gem treatment and synthesis techniques as they begin to appear in the market. Based on those observations, GIA’s global team of more than 50 scientists and other experts is able to develop and share new practical means of identifying natural treated and synthetic gems of all kinds to best serve the public, industry and the market. Our research priorities are defined by identification challenges we encounter in the GIA laboratory and in the trade, as well as technical advances in gem treatment or synthesis methods that we learn of outside of the jewelry industry.
What is one event that GIA is most proud about in its history?
We are most proud of the achievements that have the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. Diamantaires, manufacturers, designers, retailers and the gem-and-jewelry-buying public use a common universal language based on GIA’s work to describe diamond quality (the 4Cs) and pearls (GIA’s 7 Pearl Value factors); that treatments and synthetics can be readily (if not always easily) identified based on GIA’s research; and that our extensive database of colored gems enables us to make well-informed judgements about the origins of emeralds, rubies, sapphires and many other stones.
Do you ever get any requests to certify man-made diamonds as natural diamonds?
GIA offers a grading service for synthetic diamonds. The reports include the same 4Cs information as natural diamonds, however they clearly state that the diamond is synthetic. Every diamond submitted to GIA for grading goes through rigorous screening to determine if it is natural or synthetic. We have identified a small number of synthetics that were not declared as such when submitted. They were graded and returned with the synthetic diamond grading report.
Is it possible to tell the difference between natural and synthetic diamonds outside of sophisticated machinery at the labs? We heard about tools like DiamaPen from a Hong Kong-based firm that promises "a low-cost and highly accurate device for the screening and separation of synthetic diamonds from natural Diamonds."
We are confident that synthetic diamonds, both CVD and HPHT grown and treated, can be readily identified by GIA. In our practical testing experience, making that identification requires a well-trained staff in a fully equipped gemological laboratory. Based on our four decades of research into and experience with synthetic diamonds, it is generally not possible to definitively identify a synthetic diamond outside of a gemological laboratory.
You have just launched a free interactive diamond app for Android devices in Simplified Chinese and English. Last December GIA also opened a gem laboratory in Japan, which made the GIA diamond grading services available in Tokyo. Can you share with us your vision of emerging markets of Asia and why they are important to your business?
GIA’s mission is to maintain consumer confidence worldwide in diamonds and gemstones by offering research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development. As part of its international education initiatives and because GIA recognizes the critically important role Asia plays in the future of the diamond and gem industry, the Institute continues to expand its services throughout the continent.
The Institute debuted its 4Cs app for Android in Simplified Chinese as a way to educate this diamond buying public. GIA operates schools in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and has offered classes in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.
What makes you open a GIA lab in a new place and in what case do you think this may happen in Russia?
GIA has a long and positive relationship with the Russian gem industry and have offered GIA courses in Moscow for many years.
The gem and jewelry industry is global, and it is important for GIA to have a global presence both for our grading laboratories and our education programs. We began our global expansion in 2008, adding diamond grading services to our Bangkok laboratory and opening new laboratory facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa; Gaborone, Botswana; and Mumbai, India. In 2010, we opened a lab in Hong Kong; in 2012 we opened facilities in Israel and Japan. In each case, we evaluated the potential positive impact on the trade and the public, and whether we would be able to operate in a manner consistent with our other locations. We continue to examine other potential locations, but do not have any immediate plans.
What is your view of the Kimberley Process and its future?
GIA fully supports efforts to ensure that human rights are respected and ethics are upheld in the international gem and jewelry marketplace.
In your opinion, what can the jewelry industry do better to stop human rights abuses? What will be the role of GIA in this respect?
GIA provides ongoing educational seminars to students and alumni about this topic; its education curriculum is also updated with information. The Institute strongly recommends that consumers insist on asking retailers if their diamond stocks are responsibly sourced.
What is GIA's agenda for the year of 2013?
In 2013 we will continue to focus on our mission of ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry. We will responsibly expand our services; and deliver quality service to our clients, students and constituents. Our New York facilities – both lab and education – will move into the new International Gem Tower. There will be GIA Jewelry Career Fairs in India and the United States, expanded beneficiation efforts in Africa and additional education offerings in China. GIA will also be at trade shows around the world to showcase education, instruments and lab services.
Olga Patseva, Editor in Chief of the American Bureau, Rough&Polished
