IIDGR enters into grading partnership with I-PRIMO

The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR), a De Beers Group company, has entered a partnership with one of Japan’s leading bridal jewellery retailers, I-PRIMO, to provide polished diamond grading reports. The reports will provide assurance to I-PRIMO customers that their diamonds meet the retailer’s strict quality standards, backed by more than 100 years of De Beers Group diamond experience.

The partnership covers all 68 of I-PRIMO’s Japan stores and will eventually be expanded to include the group’s stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

I-PRIMO only uses loose diamonds that have been graded as ‘excellent’ for engagement rings and all melee diamonds must meet ‘Heart & Cupid’ grading standards.

The reports will use De Beers Group’s Ideal Optical Symmetry technology, which provides a magnified image of the light performance pattern of each diamond, offering customers enhanced information about their diamond.

At the official launch at I-PRIMO’s Ikebukuro store in Tokyo last Friday, Masato Hanazawa, a Japanese actor and special guest at the launch, gave a presentation on the symbolism of diamonds in engagement rings, as well as the importance of grading reports in providing quality assurance and compliance with international grading standards.

The partnership reflects the growing global demand for IIDGR’s polished grading services, following the partnership with Soo Kee Group in Singapore – the first in Asia – and the agreement with Lukfook Jewellery in Hong Kong to provide co-branded grading reports, both announced earlier this year. IIDGR works closely with retailers in establishing diamond grading partnerships, adapting the design and layout of reports to meet individual retailer needs.

Jonathan Kendall, President, IIDGR, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our grading services further in Asia, where we are seeing rapidly increasing demand for IIDGR’s polished diamond grading expertise. Our ability to tailor bespoke solutions for our customers, backed by our innovative proprietary technologies, has been well-received and is supporting our growth in the region.”

IIDGR issues Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Identification Reports for any unset, natural, untreated diamonds weighing a minimum of 0.10 carats. The Institute grades every clarity and all colours, including fancy colours.