GIA Launches LabDirect Global Grading Services

The Gemological Institute of America has launched a new network of take-in windows to be managed by consolidators around the globe.

GIA's 'LabDirect' network will form an international diamond shipment consolidation system for GIA GTL and its clients. In addition to GIA offices in Geneva, Hong Kong and Antwerp the Rapaport Group, Malca-Amit LLC, the Dubai Multi Commodities Center and the Association of Japan Gem Trust will collaborate with Brink's Global Services to provide worldwide access to GIA's services.

Consolidators will ship diamonds to the GIA lab from local regions in accordance with established protocols. Under this new system clients interested in having diamonds graded by GIA will drop their stones off with an authorized consolidator, who will ship them to GIA's lab in New York or Carlsbad. The consolidator is responsible for communicating grading results and collecting payment from each client.

Ralph Destino, Chairman of GIA commented GIA will soon have an array of take-in windows around the world where individuals and diamond dealers of varying size and location will have easy access to GIA Laboratory services."