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Carlsbad, CA—GIA announced plans to open a new laboratory in Surat, India, and expand its long-term presence in Antwerp, Belgium, in the second quarter of 2018. GIA has secured premises for both locations.

“Expanding our facility in Antwerp and opening a new location in Surat continues GIA’s mission-driven effort to bring our research-based laboratory services for diamonds, colored stones, and pearls ever closer to our clients,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. “Providing innovative, timely, independent, and highest-quality gem identification and grading services to our global clients ultimately serves the interests of and protects the gem and jewelry-buying public.”

The new laboratory in Surat will offer diamond manufacturers direct local access to GIA’s laboratory services, including the GIA Melee Analysis Service, a high-volume automated service to separate natural diamond from synthetic diamond and simulant melee, sorting the natural stones by color range. 

“We believe that this new facility in Surat will further support the growth and efficiency of the globally important Indian diamond manufacturing sector,’ said GIA president and CEO Susan M. Jacques. 

In Antwerp, GIA will expand capacity for the GIA M2M service, which scientifically matches rough diamonds to the resulting polished diamond, and also will provide diamond grading and secondary consultation services.

Take-in for every service for every GIA service will be available at both labs. Further information about opening dates and services will be announced in the coming months.

Separately, GIA Alumni Association’s Annual Party At the GIA Gem Mine in Tucson will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Richard T. Liddicoat’s birth. The party will be held Friday, Feb. 2 from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Tucson University Park Hotel (formerly the Marriott). Special savings for RSVPs before January 15 ($55/ticket vs. $65. Cash bar.) Click here for details and to register.