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Trade Organisations

BJA and NAG draft questionnaire for diamond graders

Members of the British Jewellers Association (BJA) and National Association of Goldsmiths (NAG) met last week to discuss the apparent anomalies between diamond grades attributed to stones by different diamond grading organisations. 

It was agreed that a questionnaire should be drawn up by the two associations which will be sent to diamond grading facilities worldwide asking them to voluntarily supply basic information about themselves.

The aim of the questionnaire is to understand factors such as management structure, grading process, access to new technology, availability of master stones in addition to staff qualifications and for each laboratory contacted.

From the responses, the associations will then manage a comprehensive list of grading laboratory competencies in order for the trade and consumer to have access to a greater depth of data on which to base informed decisions on the selection of preferred laboratories and the potential basis of the quality of their prepared diamond reports.

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Simon Rainer, CEO at the BJA, said: “The issue of diamond over grading and the vagaries in diamond grading consistency have been extensively reported on. As an industry, it is vital that we work together to help increase consumer confidence in the purchase of diamond jewellery. I am delighted at the positive outcome from just our first industry meeting.”

Michael Rawlinson, CEO at the NAG, said: “I am extremely pleased that the NAG and BJA are working in close collaboration to address diamond grading issues. Through the excellent chairmanship of Michael Allchin, we now have now convened a small working party to help draw up the questionnaire and will of course be consulting with the meeting attendees for their valued feedback.”

Image courtesy of Petra Diamonds 

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