
Founded in 2005 in New York City by Debbie Azar and Mark Gershburg, GSI has grown from a bold idea into a global institution with laboratories on four continents. As the only major gemological organization established in the 21st century, GSI has become a trusted partner to both manufacturers and retailers, known for its commitment to advanced technology, speed, integrity, and scalability.
In a message to the industry, GSI President and Co-Founder Debbie Azar reflected on the lab’s two-decade journey. “When we launched GSI, our goal was to create a gemological laboratory that truly understood and addressed the needs of both manufacturers and retailers,” she said. “Twenty years later, I believe we’ve delivered on that promise — and we’re just getting started.”
Acknowledging the complexities of today’s gem and jewellery landscape — from the shifting dynamics between natural and lab-grown diamonds to rising material and labour costs — GSI announced several strategic upgrades designed to support its partners more effectively:
Enhanced Trade Portal: GSI is expanding its digital Trade Portal to offer new features that make working with the organization faster, easier, and more efficient.
Streamlined Turnaround Times: Internal processes are being further optimized to meet tighter delivery windows.
Upgraded Screening and Detection: With advanced equipment and procedures, GSI now screens tens of thousands of jewellery articles daily, improving detection accuracy for lab-grown diamonds and treatments.
Jewellery Quality Control Expansion: The lab is significantly investing in its jewellery quality control department to better serve retail clients.
Expanded Colored Gemstone Services: GSI is broadening its service offerings to address growing demand in the coloured gemstone segment.
New Bangkok Laboratory: Marking its latest milestone, GSI has opened a new facility in Bangkok, further solidifying its global footprint and offering greater flexibility to clients in Asia and beyond.
Azar concluded by thanking GSI’s partners and clients: “Your continued trust and collaboration have shaped who we are today. We look forward to supporting your success for many more years to come.”