GIA Plans to Open a Lab in Japan

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) plans to establish a laboratory in Japan in 2012, a decision that was reached following lengthy consultations with various Japanese stakeholders. In addition, a GIA facility in Israel is scheduled to open in 2012. Both initiatives will benefit the Institute’s ongoing efforts to expand lab capacity.

''We are excited to develop a presence in Japan,'' said Donna Baker, the president of GIA. ''Japan, along with India and China, are the world’s leading diamond markets, behind the U.S.

''GIA’s mission is to promote the public trust in gems and jewelry and, as such, we will do everything within our means to carry forth this mission in Japan and to assist the Japanese diamond community in furthering these goals,'' Baker said.

-Rapaport