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.�