GIA introduces new app for consumers

With the aid of the latest in technology, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is extending awareness about diamonds to consumers. It has introduced the new GIA 4Cs iPad application (app) for consumers which informs them about the 4Cs (Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat weight) of diamond quality and is providing this version free to download on iTunes. Also, adding support top retailers, the GIA has launched a retailer version of this app, to be used at point of sale, and is also downloadable for free from GIA’s retailer support site www.retailer.gia.edu.

Both versions of the app feature video and interactive tools. Consumers get to learn about the GIA grading scales for color, clarity, and cut, and how diamond grades can affect value. There is information on origins of the carat system, fluorescence, diamond treatments and synthetics. A GIA Grading Report Anatomy to understand the different elements of a GIA report, a special feature on the app’s consumer version, “My Diamond Wish List” are some of the features of the new app. Consumers can enter and store a diamond’s relevant information, including its report number, 4Cs information, price, image, and the retailer’s address and contact information. If the diamond comes with a GIA report, the grading information will populate automatically from the GIA Report Check. The app also features direct access to GIA Report Check, a secure online database of GIA grading reports. Consumers can verify the contents of a GIA report and view a PDF version of that report -- directly from their iPads -- simply by entering a GIA report number and carat weight. This feature also provides retailers the benefit of using reports as selling tools in a quick and convenient method.

“Our goal is to provide the public with the knowledge they need to make informed buying decisions,” said Kathryn Kimmel, GIA vice president and chief marketing officer. “iPad and tablet technologies allow GIA to be the on-the-go resource for any diamond shopper, delivering accurate, unbiased diamond information in a way that is both engaging and fun.” The iPhone format and a Simplified Chinese version of this app are expected to be launched soon.