GIA LabDirect Operation Opens in Tokyo

From GIA, Carlsbad, Calif. - The Gemological Institute of America today announced the AGT Gem Laboratory in Tokyo will begin operations as a GIA LabDirect consolidator on Monday, April 2.

GIA announced the creation of LabDirect in August as a way to widen access to its laboratory services by setting up an international network of local take-in windows and consolidators to serve more local areas.

According to Tom Moses, senior vice president – GIA Laboratory and Research, “GIA is expanding its presence internationally and we want to make our services accessible to more people.”

Each consolidator will act as a diamond industry forwarding service by consolidating diamonds from local regions and shipping them to the GIA Laboratory. These local drop-off and pick-up shipment points help the maximum number of clients move their goods to the GIA Laboratory to get the services they want in a safe, expedient and cost-effective way.

A consolidator also prepares the stones for shipping to GIA with an agreed-upon protocol, communicates grading results to the end clients, and is responsible for collecting payment.

Yoshiko Doi, president of the AGT Gem Laboratory, said, “We’re glad to be a part of GIA LabDirect and its efforts to bring GIA’s international services conveniently and safely to customers in Japan.”

Earlier this month on March 8, GIA opened its new Hong Kong Laboratory Service Center that along with providing preliminary processing laboratory work, will act as a take-in window and consolidator for the Hong Kong area.

The AGT Gem Laboratory is located in the Okachimachi CY Building, 2F, 5-15-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0005, Japan. Its website address is http://www.agt.jp/.

About GIA:

An independent nonprofit organization, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is recognized as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Established in 1931, GIA has translated its expert knowledge into the most respected gemological education available. In 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world. Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. GIA can be found on the web at http://www.gia.edu/. Media queries contact: Laura Simanton 760-603-4112.