Charles & Colvard, Ltd, a fine jewellery company specializing in moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, has announced a strategic partnership with the International Gemological Institute (IGI) to introduce comprehensive grading reports for moissanite gemstones and jewellery.
Don O'Connell, President and CEO of Charles & Colvard, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Not all moissanite is created equal. The new alliance with IGI underscores our dedication to upholding brand integrity in an increasingly saturated market fraught with misinformation and counterfeit products.”
The grading reports, equipped with unique identifiers corresponding to individual laser-inscribed gemstones, aim to enhance consumer confidence by offering standardized assessments for loose Forever One™ moissanite gems, ensuring a consistent standard of quality and authenticity.
Expert gemologists will meticulously evaluate and authenticate each moissanite gemstone, providing comprehensive certification reports outlining its quality characteristics. These reports will include the standard 4Cs used in diamond grading—cut, clarity, carat, and color—along with moissanite-specific grading measures unique to Charles & Colvard.
O’Connell expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We believe our collaboration with IGI will mark a significant milestone in the lab-grown industry. This strategic alliance will introduce unprecedented transparency and accountability regarding the quality of moissanite gemstones.”
Avi Levy, President of IGI North America, highlighted the institute’s commitment to industry support, stating, “This development underscores IGI’s dedication to providing detailed, accurate assessments and reinforcing consumer trust in all gemstone products.”
Initial availability of Forever One™ moissanite gemstone reports will be exclusive to the trade, with plans for wider consumer access in the future. Both companies will showcase their offerings at the upcoming JCK Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from May 31 to June 3, 2024. Visitors can explore IGI at booth #11065 and Charles & Colvard at booth #12058 in the Bridal Pavilion.
