| Gemological Institute Of America |
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RESEARCH The GIA actively engages in research to advance the science of gemology. GIA locations around the United States hold some of the most advanced Laboratories anywhere for the analysis of Gem s. Historically, their research has focused on developing methods and technologies to accurately identify and characterize gems. This research has produced significant advances in the ability to differentiate gems and identify simulants (particularly Diamond Simulant s). The GIA was also responsible for the first modern diamond grading reports, where it introduced grading methodologies for Diamond Color and Diamond Clarity . Today, the scales and methods they have adopted are the standard within the gem trade for characterization of diamonds. Current research at the GIA concerns the development of improved detection techniques for treated and Synthetic Diamond s, as well as for treated Sapphire s, Rubies , and pearls. EDUCATION The GIA offers several diplomas through Vocational -type programs at its main campus in Carlsbad, as well as satellite campuses in Culver City and New York and eleven international locations around the world. The most prestigious of these diplomas is the ''Graduate Gemologist'' diploma (designated by the initials "G.G." after a person's name). Graduates of the program must have completed eight courses, including courses on diamond and colored stone identification and grading. The Graduate Gemologist diploma can be obtained through a six-month fulltime course of study at one of GIA's campuses, or online over the same or an extended time frame. The GIA also exists to educate the gem industry and the general public through its publications and outreach efforts. Most notable of these efforts is the quarterly publication of the magazine '' Gems And Gemology '', a respected Journal in the field. The journal includes full-length feature articles, as well as reports on GIA research, abstracts of relevant articles from other journals, book reviews, and industry news from around the world. SERVICES Through its arm the GIA Gem Trade Laboratory, GIA provides diamond grading services to describe the characteristics of loose diamonds. The GIA issues two types of reports, the more complete being the Diamond Grading Report (a briefer and less expensive version is called a Diamond Dossier). The Diamond Grading Report identifies the key characteristics of a diamond which can be used to both identify the diamond and determine its value. The reports contain a number of measurements, including of Carat weight and critical angles, as well as a diagram of where and what types of Inclusions are located in the diamond. This type of report is now offered by competitors to GIA, although GIA's reports are widely considered to be the strictest, and therefore most reputable available. Diamond grading reports are now demanded by most consumers purchasing diamonds over a certain size, typically for over 0.5 carat (100 mg), and almost always for over 1.0 carat (200 mg), and are considered an important tool in guaranteeing that a diamond is accurately represented to a potential buyer. Competitors The GIA has two significant competitors in providing diamond grading reports: the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL), and the American Gemological Society (AGS). The GIA is the oldest and has the best reputation of the three for strict grading standards and is therefore preferred for most high-grade diamonds; however, the AGS provides more information on Diamond Cut than GIA reports and is therefore sometimes preferred. (GIA plans to implement a cut grade on their diamond reports for standard round brilliants starting Janurary 1,2006.) The EGL is generally used for lower quality stones, because the market perceives that their grading standards are less strict and a diamond may receive somewhat higher grading from EGL than either GIA or AGS. This effect prevents most of the best stones from being graded at EGL, due to the perception that high EGL grades are easier to come by. The market generally reflects a modest discount for EGL graded stones as compared to similarly graded GIA or AGS graded stones. EXTERNAL LINKS
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