Over the past decades an industry has been transformed. Within a relatively short timeframe the gemstone and jewelry industry has been catapulted from the dark ages into the fast paced information age of the 21st century.

Technology and the information age have affected the diamond industry. Similarly, the colored stone and jewelry industry has been influenced. Optimum yield via computer for rough emerald, ruby and sapphire, as well as jewelry design via computer, showing literally thousands of different variations of a particular style are all commonplace today.

Gemology, the study of gemstones is usually divided into two major categories, that of diamonds and that of all other gemstones, including colored stones and pearls.

Forty years ago rarely did the gem and jewelry industry require the services of a gemological laboratory, other than to distinguish natural from cultured pearls. Today, IGI's gem lab has proven time and again the necessity for its expertise. Along with the information age has come the ability for chemists and scientists to create synthetic diamonds and gemstones.

Today, almost every diamond of a carat or more, sold by manufacturers, at the diamond bourses around the world to retailers and ultimately to consumers is accompanied by an independent grading certificate adhering to the internationally accepted system for diamond grading.

The maturation of the gemstone cutting industry and the jewelry manufacturing business both have led to become necessary trade components. Another industry, which has recently evolved alongside the gem and jewelry industry, is professional appraising. this industry has developed over the last 20 years; where appraisers were once considered generalist tradesmen, today they are specialized professionals.

Tradesmen originally became appraisers in their field of expertise. Today, in addition to having prerequisite experience in their individual discipline, professional appraisers must also possess a required body of knowledge such as law and report preparation. Currently, the professional gem and jewelry appraiser becomes accredited and certified by major appraisal societies after fulfilling numerous requirements and passing vigorous examinations. In order to maintain accreditation appraisers must re-certify every five years.

Entering this new age companies look and feel different and the economy has shifted. Markets are now global in scope and it has become essential to understand these changes and to interpret how these changes affect the jewelry industry.

Since 1975, IGI reports have proven to be the internationally recognized passport for gemstones and fine jewelry. At IGI over 450 scientific technicians and gemologists examine hundreds of thousands of diamonds, colored stones and jewelry items every year.
IGI has established bases of operations in nine vital industry locations throughout the world.
Six cities have achieved preeminence in the international diamond and gemstone market: Antwerp, New York, Bangkok, Mumbai, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

As early as the XVI century, Antwerp was a center for commerce and is today synonymous with a tradition of superb craftsmanship in the art of cutting fine gemstones. New York is a leading international marketplace and financial center.

Bangkok is Asia's largest fine gems capital and a major commercial center among countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. Mumbai is the world largest diamond polishing center. Tokyo is the central hub of the Japanese diamond retail market, which is second in diamond jewelry sales to the United States.

Additionally, Dubai - due to its location and presence of international enterprise - is ideally situated to serve the markets in the Middle East. Los Angeles has become a focal point of the diamond and jewelry market on the West Coast of the U.S. Toronto, as Canada's largest center of international trade, represents the commercial gateway to the mines in the Northwestern Territories.

IGI experts in the laboratory and experienced instructors in the classroom are all dedicated to meeting your professional needs. The Institute's wide variety of services include:

• Diamond and Colored Stone Certificates
• Gem and Jewelry Appraisal Reports
• Diamond and Colored Stone Courses
• Gem and Jewelry Seminars
• Cutting Advisory Services
• Laser Inscription and Table Branding
• Registration and Recovery
• Diamond Repair
• Jewelry Engraving
• Photography

Every day, increasing numbers of professionals and consumers are taking advantage of IGI services. Why?

Because at IGI, we know how important it is for consumers to buy safely, assured that their diamonds or gems are genuine. We are also sensitive to the fact that jewelers must convey insight to their clients by being able to offer adequate answers to the most probing questions.

In 1982, IGI started its own gemological school in Antwerp in order to share its knowledge and experience with other professionals and gem enthusiasts. The IGI Gemology School currently offers an unparalleled opportunity to expand one's practical knowledge and experience through polished diamond, rough diamond, colored stones, pearl and gem cutting courses led by adynamic team of highly skilled and internationally recognized gemologists, whose aim is to provide intense hands-on experience resulting in a high level of student competence and expertise.

IGI courses are known for comprehensive and practical learning methods. This is why thousands of candidate diamond dealers and jewelers from over 90 different countries, wishing to acquire maximum gemological knowledge in a limited timeframe, enroll in the IGI classes.
The IGI courses are given in English, French, Dutch, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Russian, Korean, Italian, Spanish and Turkish.

Upon passing final exams, students are awarded the IGI Diplomas.

The International Gemological Institute, the largest independent grading and appraisal organization in the world, is dedicated to serving the diamond, colored stone and jewelry industry in all its facets. Our standards of excellence have earned us a global reputation for integrity, accuracy and reliability.