GIA to grade synthetic Diamonds from January 2007

THE Gemological Institute of America (GIA) said it will begin accepting synthetic diamonds for grading after January 1, 2007, according to its bi-weekly newsletter, GIA Insider.

Tom Moses, GIA�s senior vice-president and head of the GIA laboratory and research said, �Over the past several weeks, GIA�s management team held a number of meetings with a wide variety of stakeholders. We listened carefully and with an open mind, as we promised to do, while never losing sight of GIA�s core commitment to ensure and enhance the public�s trust in gems and jewellery.�

Last June, GIA chairman Ralph Destino declared that it was GIA�s intention to �start grading these stones in the near future.� At that time, GIA pledged to consult with producers of both natural and lab-grown diamonds in order to be sensitive to the concerns of each.�

Acting GIA president Donna Baker added that �the final synthetic diamond grading report has now been accepted by stakeholders on all sides of this issue, and is totally consistent with GIA�s high standards of science, public service, education and professionalism.�