Announcements

We are pleased to announce a new, elevated design for our identification and grading reports. This design update comes 45 years after our first Diamond report was issued in Antwerp, Belgium, in 1975.

Another independent analysis has concluded that IGI’s loose diamond grading ranks among the world’s strictest. In an independent comparison of dual-certified diamonds IGI’s color grading was stricter than that of GIA in a majority of cases, with clarity the same or stricter in most cases, as well.

An exceptionally rare, clear diamond “the size of a lollipop” is being offered without reserve at auction by Sotheby’s. According to the auction house, an item of this historic importance and value has never been offered with no-reserve before.

The last two 100+ carat diamonds, unearthed over a span of 48 hours, are the 10th and 11th gem-quality stones weighing more than 100 carats found at Letšeng this year. At an elevation of more than 10,000 feet, the world’s highest diamond mine also boasts the world’s highest value-per-carat.

The Argyle Diamond Mine in the remote east Kimberley region of Western Australia is scheduled to close by the end of 2020 following nearly forty years of production. “One Lifetime, One Encounter” is an auction event, offering a collection of the rarest diamonds extracted there over a year’s production.

IGI Hong Kong is pleased to announce the opening of new headquarters in the historic Hung Hom district, the home of numerous jewelry producers, international jewelry trade shows and expos and the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturer’s Association.

Tiffany & Co. has announced a program detailing the provenance of the diamonds they sell, beginning with country and mine of origin. The New-York based jeweler plans to share this “Full Craftsmanship Journey” for every newly-sourced diamond of 0.18 carats or more.

IGI has called upon the world’s creatives to step forward, with resounding success. With notice of abundant entries pending, the deadline for submission has been reset to the end of August due to popular demand.

Earlier this month GIA and AGS announced policy changes regarding lab-grown diamonds. IGI is proud to see other organizations adopt our long-held philosophy regarding the dual-channel legitimacy of natural and lab-grown diamonds, and believe professionals and consumers alike will benefit from the increased transparency in our industry.

Participation is free: IGI has called upon the world’s creatives to step forward and contribute. The 2020 IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest invites jewelers, artists, teachers, students and fans alike to submit design-concepts in four categories.

The Ebelyakh mine in Yakutia has yielded a number of remarkable colored diamonds in the past several years, including this newcomer. A 236 carat yellow-brown crystal which is the largest colored rough diamond ever extracted in Russia.

“IGI Is Holding a Jewelry Design Contest And It’s Free to Enter,” declares the headline of National Jeweler’s coverage of IGI’s “Collision and Fusion” Jewelry Design Contest. Fashion Editor Ashley Davis provides a concise overview in her article and, importantly, reiterates the event’s fundamental premise.

Emphasizing their commitment toward buyers and sellers alike, eBay India has announced the Gems and Jewelry Certificate program (GJC) in cooperation with IGI. Under this program, Indian eBay sellers can have their products independently graded by IGI at competitive prices, empowering confidence for consumer-buyers.

RESOLVE, an early pioneer in the area of environmental conflict resolution, and the Diamond Development Initiative (DDI), responsible for facilitating more efficient, formal and environmentally responsible approaches in the African diamond mining sector, will integrate their programs to strengthen their efforts going forward.

A chance to win awards, cash-prizes, education, recognition and exposure: The 2020 IGI JEWEL Jewelry Design Contest invites jewelers, artists, teachers, students and fans alike to submit design-concepts in four categories by August 20. Participation is free of charge and open to anyone, whether professional or not.

The July Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels auction did not disappoint, in items offered or bids commanded. I thought I would share a few of my favorite jewelry items sold – and sprinkle in another genre or two, just for fun.

Rough sellers are partnering with technology providers to facilitate digital-scans, videos and potential polishing plans for rough diamonds to their customers. Originally intended to facilitate pre-selection of choices ahead of traditional tenders, remote-purchasing has now become an option.

Did you ever wonder what happened to the incredible Esperanza Diamond? After a charmed journey, but a failed auction, this national treasure is still for sale. Let’s re-visit her unique story and see where things stand today.

On January 9, 2020, IGI Shanghai opened new offices in the prestigious Bund Finance Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended […]

From the beginning, the International Gemological Institute has had total commitment to understanding consumer concerns. So it’s appropriate, at the […]

Marcianise, Italy (May 28, 2019) – Traditionally a topic included in seminars on organic stones, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) […]