THE International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world�s largest independent laboratory for testing and valuating gemstones and fine Jewellery has been officially recognized as a World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO) Registered Laboratory. CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri announced the registration of IGI, endorsed by Jewelers of America, at the CIBJO Laboratory Committee meeting in Vancouver, Canada recently.

CIBJO, which is the French acronym for International Confederation of Jewellery, Silverware, Diamonds and Stones, is the international jewellery confederation of national trade organizations. Its primary purpose as a decision making body is to create and maintain standards and promote co-operation between these inter-connected organizations.

Every CIBJO Registered Laboratory must be independent of any commercial or private enterprise, or groups of such enterprises; it should always be managed under competent professional direction; it must abide by all CIBJO rules without exception and should work in accordance with the following CIBJO publications: The Diamond Book, The Gemstone Book, The Pearl Book and it may only issue diamond, gemstone and/or pearl reports, which are prepared in accordance with the CIBJO rules, otherwise its recognition may be cancelled by CIBJO.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director, IGI India said, �In a short span of 7 years, IGI has established a leadership position in certification in India. IGI�s recent recognition as a CIBJO registered laboratory is a further reassurance to all our customers of the quality and accuracy of our processes and expertise of our gemologists.�