The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced it will enhance its emerald reports by offering optional filler identification, effective from 15 December 2024. This move comes in response to growing industry demand for more detailed insights into the fillers used in emerald treatments, providing gem buyers and sellers with more comprehensive information.

Initially available at no additional cost, this service will offer specifics on the type of filler present in emeralds. It marks a return to a practice GIA implemented over 20 years ago, before adjusting its reports to focus solely on the degree of filling due to the evolving nature of fillers used in emerald treatments.

“GIA is making this change in response to the needs of the market,” said Tom Moses, GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory & Research Officer. “As trade concerns about the degree and composition of filler in emeralds have evolved, we have adapted our reports to reflect these changes.”

In addition to the standard identification and assessment of the degree of filling, clients can now opt for the new filler identification service. If filler is detected, the report will specify one of the following categories:

- Filler Type: A (may include oil, wax, and/or natural resin)

- Filler Type: B (artificial resin)

- The clarity-enhancing material present cannot currently be identified

This enhancement is designed to provide greater transparency in the emerald market, catering to the growing demand for detailed gemological information.