See IGI’s new Digital Report Platform

Shopping by computer and smartphone is on the rise, with no sign of stopping. In the interest of serving consumers and retailers alike, IGI recently introduced a new digital platform for loose or mounted diamonds, gemstones and jewelry items.

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10 Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry pieces compiled in video

Make some popcorn, pour a beverage and settle in for another visual tour of exotic and enchanting jewelry. The pieces herein are well-covered and splendidly described. 13+ minutes of glorious and uplifting creations from the artists of iconic Richemont Maison: Van Cleef & Arpels.

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IGI publishes ‘New Normal’ advice via JCK online

IGI has provided insight and advice to diamond, gem and jewelry industry professionals in tandem with JCK Online’s sponsored-content initiative: “Solving New Trends in the New Normal” addresses explosive growth in two disruptive industry areas.

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See IGI’s dynamic new Grading Report format

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.

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10 Graff diamond jewelry pieces compiled in video

A well-organized compilation of 10 beautiful Graff creations, splendidly set to music. Settle in for 13 minutes and 13 seconds of glorious, uplifting creations from the masters at Graff.

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Design Contest entry EXTENDED to August 31!

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.

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Last call for international DESIGN CONTEST entries

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.

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IGI Jewelry Design Contest in National Jeweler

“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.

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eBay India announces its association with IGI

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.

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IGI invites world to ‘Collision & Fusion’ Jewelry Design contest

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.

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IGI gives advice in World Bride Magazine

Stacey Marcus recently offered a number of Trends and Tips on the Modern Way to find your Dream Diamond for World Bride Magazine. One of the experts approached for advice was Scott Friedman, Master Gemologist Appraiser with IGI North America.

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A Heart-to-Heart about these auction items

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.

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3 famous gemstone curses. Fate or fantasy?

Whether it’s imagination, disagreement or politics over rare and expensive objects, or planets aligning poorly – there are a number of gemstones rumored to curse those who own them. Of course, in at least one famous case below, the rumors may have been exaggerated to appeal to a buyer. But whatever the case there’s entertainment value in what I’m bringing below.

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Monday mabe’ musings: Pearls of wisdom

Not everyone understands the importance of a transparent, accurate report of the gemological materials included in jewelry. And yet, such reporting not only advances your competitive position. It also serves to protect against legal disputes and demonstrates corporate social responsibility.

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The Lost and Found Arrows of Cupid

An exciting discovery was made by Gemologists examining a beautiful red ruby under the microscope. The arrows and needles they found don’t just give hints as to the country of origin, they can also indicate when the gemstone has undergone treatment.

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A ballet of joy and hope in jewelry

Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic ballerina clips danced onto the American stage in the early 1940s and were immediately embraced by the public, who saw them as refreshing symbols of joy and hope during the uncertain days of World War II. We could all use a bit of joy and hope right now, so let’s revisit some of these beautiful jewels.

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See a RAINBOW of 7 exceptional jewelry pieces

Some amazing, creative and vivid jewelry pieces from iconic designers at last year’s Couture show, presented to you in all the colors of the rainbow.

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Can you solve this heist online?

Living in our world’s new normal, is there a chance the thieves who shattered the Green Vault and plundered Dresden Castle would turn to e-Fencing or even outright anonymous sale?

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Statue of Neptune

Dear humans, you’re welcome.

Considered a gift from the mermaids, this translucent gemstone became worn by ancient sailors for the protection it was thought to offer at sea. As we bring March to close it’s fitting to visit the wonderful aspects of this month’s birthstone, the aquamarine.

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Why are we talking jewelry right now?

It’s a fair question. Health, safety and shelter must be our priorities right now. So why are people continuing to discuss, debate, and obsess over jewelry? Katherine, an active enthusiast in an online jewelry community, provided a response for the ages. Literally.

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Why IGI? Why now?

The new normal is here. We are quarantined and the future is unclear. IGI is not involved in health or government. However, as the world’s largest organization of our kind we can speak with authority about the current situation.

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Frequent hand washing and jewelry care

In today’s climate my attention to my hands, what I touch and how often I clean them has reached new heights. And of course, each time I clean my hands, I’m aware of the rings I am wearing. Fortunately, there’s good news ahead for jewelry wearers as it relates to sanitizing frequently.

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Meteorites and diamonds from space!

Thousands of years ago in southwest Africa a party of Nama People discovered a field of odd iron fragments to use in tools and weapons. Imagine their shock if they were told those fragments had come from the very stars they worshipped.

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A little gossip about pearls

Whether we like it or not, human beings just can’t resist a little gossip. So why not make the best of it? As a professional, mixing just the right amount into a sales presentation can add flavor.

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