Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
GIA Suspends Sealing Service After Diamond Switch
The lab is investigating how natural diamonds sealed in its blister packs were swapped out for HPHT-treated diamonds.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America has suspended its sealing service while it investigates a switch involving high-pressure, high-temperature treated natural diamonds.
The lab said Friday a “small number”—it declined to provide an exact figure—of GIA sealing packets had been tampered with, a discovery it made “in the normal course of business.”
The natural diamonds originally enclosed in the packets were swapped out for HPHT diamonds that “superficially matched” the report for the diamonds originally sealed in the packets, including the information on the sealing packet data label.
GIA said has suspended the service indefinitely while it investigates the fraud.
The Diamond Sealing Service is an add-on service in which a single diamond is placed in an allegedly tamper-resistant blister pack. Next to the diamond is a small label showing its report number and the date it was graded, as well as its shape and four Cs.
GIA has suspended its sealing service once in the past—in 2014 when it found a sealed diamond did not match the grading report in the pack with it.
The service was reinstated after several months, with additional security measures in place, the lab said.
Anyone with concerns about a GIA-sealed diamond can submit the unopened packet to any GIA lab for verification services at no charge.
If the diamond matches the report in the pack, it will issue a verification letter. If it does not, GIA will issue a new report with the correct characteristics.
All sealed diamonds submitted for verification will be returned unsealed.
GIA clients with further questions should contact their client service representative.
The Latest
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.