IGI Launches Synthetics Screening Center

RAPAPORT... The International Gemological Institute (IGI) will open anew screening facility for detecting laboratory-grown stones at the SantacruzElectronic Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) in Mumbai, the grading organization said Tuesday. The center - which IGI claims is the first of itstype in SEEPZ - will enable companies in the jewelry-manufacturing hub toassure customers a stone is natural. The service can be used independently, oradded to the grading process. SEEPZ is a special area in Mumbai where certain taxexemptions apply, and is home to a large number of jewelry exporters. "The screening facility...provides peace of mind to themanufacturers who export their goods to the international markets, especiallywhen the market is threatened by the infiltration of synthetic diamonds in theinventory of natural diamonds," said Tehmasp Printer, managing director of IGIIndia. Jewelers will be able to use the technology to screen bothloose stones and mounted jewelry.