GIA (Gemological Institute of America) opened a laboratory in Tokyo, Japan, its ninth such global facility. The GIA Tokyo facility offers industry-leading diamond grading to Japan, and will begin accepting diamonds for grading directly from clients beginning today, Dec. 3, 2012.

Japan is profiled as one of the world’s largest markets for gems and jewelry. The new lab will serve this market with initially offering Diamond Dossier® and Diamond Grading Report services for D to Z diamonds up to 2.99 cts, and also take in colored stones and pearls for any other GIA services. These gems will sent to another GIA global laboratory lab and returned to Tokyo for pick-up. The numbers of services are expected to increase in the coming months.

Plans of opening of the Tokyo lab was announced in December, 2011, following extensive consultations with Japanese stakeholders. GIA has offered educational programs in Japan since the 1970s and there are nearly 4,000 holders of the Graduate Gemologist diploma, the most advance certification offered by the Institute, in Japan.

“Bringing GIA’s diamond grading standards and research-backed lab services to such an important market will serve the public interest by supporting the Japanese gem and jewelry industry,” said Tom Moses, GIA senior vice president for laboratory and research.

“Providing grading services to the gem and jewelry sector where they operate central to GIA’s practice,” said Mari Okada, manager of the GIA laboratory in Tokyo. “We are excited to open a laboratory in Tokyo to complement GIA’s long-standing educational presence in Japan.” GIA notes that all gemstones submitted to any GIA laboratory receive equal, unbiased and neutral examination based on the rigorous and consistent standards that characterize all of GIA’s gem identification and grading services.