(IDEX Online) - GIA will open a new laboratory in Surat, India, and expand its long-term presence in Antwerp, Belgium, in the second quarter of 2018 to meet the needs of the global gem and jewelry industry.
The GIA said that it has secured premises for both locations.
"Expanding our facility in Antwerp and opening a new location in Surat continues GIA's mission-driven effort to bring our research-based laboratory services for diamonds, colored stones and pearls ever closer to our clients," said GIA Executive Vice President and Chief Laboratory and Research Officer Tom Moses.
"Providing innovative, timely, independent and highest-quality gem identification and grading services to our global clients ultimately serves the interests of and protects the gem and jewelry-buying public."
The new laboratory in Surat will offer diamond manufacturers in the diamond center direct local access to GIA's laboratory services, including the GIA Melee Analysis Service, a high volume automated service to separate natural diamond from synthetic diamond and simulant melee, sorting the natural stones by color range.
"We believe that this new facility in Surat will further support the growth and efficiency of the globally important Indian diamond manufacturing sector,' said GIA President and CEO Susan M. Jacques.
In Antwerp, the GIA will expand capacity for the GIA M2M service, which scientifically matches rough diamonds to the resulting polished diamond. GIA will also provide diamond grading and secondary consultation services.
GIA will take in items for all services at the Antwerp and Surat labs. Further information about opening dates and services will be announced at a later date.