GIA Pilot Program to Grade Mounted Goods
Press Release / GIA
CARLSBAD, California – June 20, 20224
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is piloting an innovative Jewelry Report service that offers insights into the components of submitted items, including metal details, gemstone characteristics, and existing engravings. Anyone interested in the pilot program can sign up here for the waitlist.
The GIA Jewelry Report offers a comprehensive description of the submitted jewelry piece(s), including metal verification and ranges for the clarity, color, and carat weight of D-to-Z diamonds that do not have previous GIA reports for unmounted diamonds. If the diamonds have existing GIA report numbers, the specific grades will be detailed on the report with a link to GIA’s Report Check for added verification. The GIA Jewelry Report also includes details of any current markings.
Grade Ranges
We spoke with GIA about the new jewelry report, as we are especially interested in grade ranges. “For diamonds that do not have a previous GIA report, the GIA Jewelry Report will provide ranges for weight, clarity and color, as it is not possible to offer precision grading for mounted diamonds. Industry norms will be used and, in most cases, the ranges will be two grades. However, the ranges may be larger for some diamonds that are highly masked in the setting. The same is true for estimated weights.”
Mounted Melee?
For those who often write appraisals on gem-set jewelry, quality grading any size gem in a mounting is always a challenge. But what about melee? These are even more challenging. Will GIA be quality grading and estimating weights on side stones? “We will provide grading ranges for all sizes of diamonds, unless the mounting precludes examining them well, or they are not fully cut.”
Cost of the Report
How much do you think a jewelry report will cost? “As this is a pilot service, the pricing structure has not yet been determined.”
Testing the Metal
To test the metal work, GIA will be surface testing only, using X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Add-on services will be available for new engravings, a 360-degree video of the jewelry and more for an additional fee.
“This service is an extension of GIA’s ongoing commitment to ensure consumer confidence and trust in jewelry,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory officer.
All report numbers for the GIA Jewelry Report will be alphanumeric, ensuring a unique and secure identification for each piece. This new service aligns with GIA’s mission to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the gem and jewelry industry.
