International Gemological Institute (IGI) has launched its first Lab for diamond jewellery certification in Kolkata, at 708/709 Fort Knox, 6 Camac Street. Incidentally this is the first such lab in the city as well.

The Kolkata IGI lab will certify jewellery pieces basis carat weight, clarity, color & cut of the stones. Also, as part of its educational programmes, IGI is introducing all day programmes starting with the Polished Diamond Grading course at its Kolkata operations.

Kolkata currently accounts for almost 11% of the India�s total diamond caratage consumption. Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director, IGI India mentioned that, �Looking at the growing Eastern Indian market, we decided to start our Kolkata office so that our clients and customers don�t have to transporting their valuables to get them certified. They can expect the best, global standards in our certification process.�

Mr. Roland Lorie, CEO of IGI said, �Our customers are our first priority and with this launch, we hope to provide them with our global services, virtually at their doorstep.�