Gemological Institute of America
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a global authority in gemstone grading, research, and education, setting standards that influence pricing, certification, and consumer trust across the UK jewellery trade. For jewellers, designers, and suppliers, staying informed about GIA developments is essential to maintaining credibility and meeting market expectations. Jewellery Focus provides coverage of GIA’s latest innovations, grading updates, training programmes, and insights into how its work shapes the commercial and technical landscape of the industry.
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May- 2017 -18 MayAuctions
De Beers to auction own polished diamonds for first time
De Beers has announced that it will auction polished diamonds manufactured from its own rough at its auction sales business for the first time in its history. It is piloting the sales of polished diamonds accompanied by its grading business, the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) and…
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16 MayCurrent Affairs
GIA warns of ‘hybrid’ diamonds
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has warned of “hybrid” diamonds entering the supply chain after uncovering a natural diamond with a blue synthetic coating. Claiming that the stone was the first of its kind that the institute had encountered, it reported that a number of “unusual characteristics” gave away…
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Apr- 2017 -24 AprilCrime
GIA creates fake diamond detector
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has launched a device that can detect synthetic diamonds – even those already mounted in jewellery. Until now, the majority of detectors could only determine the authenticity of loose stones. The device created by the GIA will use advanced spectroscopic technology, which can pinpoint…
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6 AprilTrade Organisations
GIA creates free gem guide for artisanal miners
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has produced a gem guide which they will give to artisanal miners free of charge. Working in association with NGO Pact and women’s mining communities in Tanzania, the guide offers basic gemmological and market knowledge in gem-producing areas. It has been launched as a…
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4 AprilAuctions
‘Pink Star’ diamond sells for record-breaking £57m
A rare diamond known as the ‘Pink Star’ has been sold at auction in Hong Kong for $71m (£57m) – a new world record for any gemstone sold at auction. The oval-cut pink diamond, which weighs almost 60 carats, is the largest internally flawless vivid pink diamond that the Gemological…
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Dec- 2016 -14 DecemberRetailers
Harrods to present one of world’s ‘rarest diamonds’
Luxury department store Harrods has unveiled what it claims is one of the world’s rarest diamonds. The 228.31-carat gem is referred by its owner – who chose to remain anonymous – as the ‘Harrods Diamond’ and has been kept secret in the Knightsbridge store’s safe deposit until now. The pear-shaped…
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Nov- 2016 -9 NovemberAuctions
‘Extremely rare’ Kashmir sapphire to headline Bonhams’ auction
A collection of diamonds and gemstones – including a 14-carat Kashmir sapphire – will headline the final Bonhams London Fine Jewellery sale of the year on Sunday 4 December. The “extremely rare” Kashmir sapphire single-stone ring, weighing 14.3-carats, is cushion-shaped with no indications of heating and has been estimated to…
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Oct- 2016 -11 OctoberAuctions
‘Extremely rare’ blue diamond Cartier ring could fetch £20.3m
Sotheby’s has announced it will auction an “extremely rare” fancy-vivid blue diamond ring by Cartier, which could fetch up to $25m (£20.3m). ‘The Sky Blue Diamond’ will be one of the star lots at Sotheby’s Geneva Jewellery sale on 16 November and will be exhibited in the auction house’ New…
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Sep- 2016 -13 SeptemberTrade Organisations
Natural Colour Diamond Association (NCDIA) launches in the UK
The Natural Colour Diamond Association (NCDIA) has announced it is to host its first meeting in the UK. The association, which launched in 2003, is a non-profit membership organisation that aims to “train, enlighten and educate” the global jewellery community and natural colour diamonds. Its first UK meeting will take…
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Jun- 2016 -30 JuneAuctions
Largest diamond discovered in a decade fails to sell at auction
The world’s largest rough diamond found in a decade has failed to sell at a London auction after bids did not reach the minimum reserve price. The 1109-carat ‘Lesedi la Rona’ – the largest rough diamond in existence today – was uncovered by diamond production firm Lucara in November 2015…
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