The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) launched same-day report verification service this week in response to reports of fraudulent GIA inscriptions on lab-grown diamonds cut to nearly match GIA graded natural diamonds.
The service is to verify GIA inscriptions, confirming that a diamond with a GIA inscription matches the inscribed GIA report number. The move comes following several instances where GIA and other labs, including Italian gemmological lab Gem-Tech and the International Gemological Institute (IGI), reported stones submitted for grading as natural were in fact lab-grown diamonds cut to resemble the attributes and measurements of GIA-graded natural untreated diamonds.
“Combatting this fraud is vital to protecting the public and ensuring their confidence in gems and jewellery – this is GIA’s mission,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “We, like Tiffany, Cartier and other well-known global companies who are vigilant about protecting their valuable brands from counterfeiting and fraud, will take vigorous action to protect GIA and the trust consumers place in us.”
For decades, GIA has trained law enforcement officers with basic diamond and gem identification knowledge so they can better understand the industry, including counterfeiting. The institute will continue to work with law enforcement on this issue by diligently reporting the circumstances and details of counterfeiting and fraud to the appropriate trade and law enforcement agencies, said GIA.
The institute encourages any other gemmological laboratory, industry organisation, company or individual to report any instance of counterfeiting of GIA inscriptions to the appropriate industry organisations and law enforcement and provide GIA with details of the fraudulent stones and the persons or organizations that submitted them. GIA will take appropriate measures, including legal action, to ensure the perpetrators and anyone complicit in the fraud face justice. (Photo courtesy: GIA)
22-01-2024
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