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Carlsbad, CA—GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the world’s leading independent diamond identification and grading authority, and IBM Research, one of the world’s largest and most influential corporate research labs, have joined forces to develop an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to revolutionize diamond clarity grading. (Face-up diamond image: © GIA)

The GIA AI clarity system is built on the standards of GIA’s universally recognized International Diamond Grading System. The AI is fueled by data from tens of millions of diamonds examined by GIA’s expert diamond graders in GIA’s grading laboratories around the world. 

“GIA is uniquely positioned to leverage AI and set a new bar in diamond grading standards,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. “IBM’s AI technology combined with GIA’s expertise, extensive data, and gemological research capabilities enables us to deliver advancements in consistency, accuracy, and speed unlike any other organization.”

The proprietary system, now in limited use in GIA’s New York and Carlsbad laboratories, will dramatically expand the reach of GIA’s independent diamond grading reports. Initially concentrating on the most popular diamond sizes, GIA will scale the AI system to bring accurate and efficient diamond grading to more diamond sizes, shapes, and qualities.

“Adding AI to our grading methodology reflects GIA’s commitment to protecting consumers in new ways,” said Pritesh Patel, GIA’s senior vice president and chief operating officer, who leads the Institute’s digital transformation effort. “We are proud to be the first to collaborate with IBM to bring this innovative approach to the gem and jewelry industry, especially as we prepare to adapt to the accelerated changes we know are coming. This is just the beginning.”

“This newest application of IBM Research’s AI technology for the diamond industry combines GIA’s deep gemological knowledge and data with IBM’s leadership in AI innovation,” said Donna Dillenberger, IBM Fellow, enterprise solutions, at IBM Research. “This system has the ability to accurately and consistently evaluate the overall effect of diamond clarity features like never before.”

Plans to expand the collaboration between GIA and IBM for future projects combining gemological evaluation and AI are in development.

The left image, captured using GIA-developed hardware, trains IBM Research’s artificial intelligence (AI) software to recognize inclusions and reflections. In the right image, the AI system has correctly identified the clarity characteristics, enabling the AI system to assign a clarity grade. © GIA