Institutes of Diamond & Precious Stones

" There is more to GIA than its 71 years of groundbreaking gemological research and education. More than the Institute's dedicated team of over 800 professionals. More than its nonprofit status.
GIA's Active Ingredients Look beyond the world renowned reputation of GIA's Diamond Grading Reports... ...beyond the credibility and prestige imparted by its diploma programs... ...beyond the countless discoveries of its distinguished scientists and researchers... ...and what you're left with are the active ingredients in each of GIA's products and services: knowledge, integrity, credibility, and authority. ..." more

IGI's supreme position in the gemological world is no coincidence.

It is the result of continuous research, support and synergy with professionals and consumers alike. Around the world, IGI certificates bring confidence when buying or selling diamonds, gemstones and jewelry.

Total commitment to understanding consumer concerns has motivated IGI to develop comprehensive analysis and clear documentation for consumers. This empowers jewelry buyers to focus on finding precisely what they want, with full assurance in the integrity and quality of the IGI certification.
IGI is the largest organization of its kind, with offices in Antwerp, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Cavalese, Toronto, Los Angeles, Kolkata, New Delhi, Thrissur, Surat, Chennai and Shanghai . The IGI School of Gemology operates from Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai and Cavalese, offering a variety of courses designed for professionals and consumer enthusiasts alike...

" The International Colored Gemstone Association is a non-profit association which was founded in 1983 to represent the international gemstone industry. The ICA is the first and only organization working to increase the understanding, appreciation, and sales of colored gemstones worldwide."

The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is an association of United States and Canadian trade professionals dedicated to promoting the long term stability and integrity of the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries. The Association pursues its goals through the combined use of educational programs, publicity, industry events, government and industry relations, and printed materials for both the trade and consumer. The AGTA is well-known in the gemstone and jewelry industries for maintaining the highest ethical standards.
The AGTA's objectives are:

• To represent and further the interests of the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries in the United States and Canada.
• To promote, maintain, and perpetuate the highest ethical standards among the Members of the AGTA and within the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries.
• To protect the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries, related industries, and ultimately the consumer from fraud, abuse, misrepresentation, and deceptive advertising related to natural colored gemstones
• To create a greater awareness and knowledge of colored gemstones and Cultured Pearls and act as a source of information for the jewelry trade to disseminate to the consumer.
• To educate these industries, related industries, and the consumer about natural colored gemstones and Cultured Pearls
• To assist the consumer in identifying dealers of integrity in the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries.
• To assist the natural colored gemstone and Cultured Pearl industries in identifying dealers of integrity in the wholesale colored gemstone marketplace.
• To establish closer communication and information sharing between the AGTA and all segments of the jewelry trade and related industries.

" H. R. D. : " Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD, Diamond High Council) In 1973, a non-profit organization was founded to coordinate and optimize all activities on behalf of the diamond business. The organization was named Hoge Raad voor Diamant (HRD, Diamond High Council). The Diamond High Council is the officially recognized representative of the Belgian diamond trade and industry... " more

" The WFDB was founded in 1947 to unite and to provide bourses trading in rough and polished diamonds and precious stones, with a common set of trading practice. The WFDB provides a legal framework and convenes to enact regulations for its 23 member diamond bourses.
The function of the WFDB is as diverse as the members who belong to it. Ethics, good business practice and morality are paramount and these are protected vigorously by the Constitution of the WFDB which provides for Arbitration and Disciplinary procedures against any bourse member who transgresses the code.
The purpose of the WFDB is to promote understanding and closer co-operation between peoples all over the world who earn their livelihood in the diamond and precious stones trade. Furthermore, it is the aim of the WFDB to encourage the establishment of bourses with a view to eventual affiliation." ... more

" The BJA is the voice of the manufacturing jewellery industry in the UK. It has provided strong leadership for the industry for over 100 years and today, perhaps more than ever before, is involved in taking those decisions, which will shape the industry's future.
The BJA represents the interests of over 500 member companies, large and small, involved in all aspects of jewellery and silverware production. Member firms are spread throughout the country and include precious and fashion jewellery manufacturers, dealers in precious stones, pearls and metals, silversmiths, designer craftsmen and wholesalers. ..." more

"Preciousgemstones Robert Genis is the President of National Gemstone, which was founded in 1982. Robert has over 30 years experience in the field. He is frequently quoted in the national gem press, and has written numerous articles on gem collecting. He is also the editor of The Gemstone Forecaster newsletter and the colored gemstone editor for the Rapaport Diamond Report.
NGC has been recognized and recommended as a reputable dealer by PreciouStones Newsletter, The Gem Market Reporter, Wealth, Personal Finance Newsletter, The Retirement Letter and The Dow Jones-Irwin Guide to Fine Gems and Jewelry. ... " more or National Gemstone's on-line Brochure

"The Gemmological Association of Great Britain can trace its origins back to 1908. The world’s first qualifying Gemmology course originated in London and the first Gemmology diploma was awarded in 1913.

The first Gemmology Correspondence Course followed in 1921. The Association became an independent organization in 1931 and combined with the Gem Testing Laboratory of Great Britain in 1990 to form ‘GAGTL’ . These initials were replaced by the ‘Gem-A’ logo in 2001. The Gem-A headquarters is situated close to Hatton Garden in central London and contains the Education office, Gem Tutorial Centre, Membership office, Gem Testing Laboratory and Gem-A Instruments."

"The International Diamond Council traces its origins to the 18th World Diamond Congress of World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), which was held in Amsterdam in May 1975. There, a joint committee that was later named the International Diamond Council, was appointed with a mandate to establish industry-wide unity in the grading of polished diamonds.

IDC’s mission was:

• To formulate set of internationally recognised standards for diamond grading and nomenclature that would be applicable in the same way all over the world.
• To normalise working methods for applying those standards.
• To encourage internationally recognised institutes to apply those accepted standards and methods. (...)

The current version of the “International Rules for Grading Polished Diamonds,” proposed by IDC, was approved by the WFDB and IDMA in 2008."

"The International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) was founded and convened for the first time in 1946, in Antwerp. It is committed to fostering and promoting the highest ideals of honesty and best practice principles throughout the diamond industry worldwide, as well as full compliance with all relevant national and international laws. Towards this end, the organization has developed and adopted a Code of Conduct, which is binding on all members.

IDMA also works to encourage fair and honorable practices and decent working conditions for those employed in the diamond industry; and to preserve, protect and promote the trust and confidence of consumers in diamonds and diamond products. It encourages and supports social responsibility on the part of the industry in respect to all citizens of the world.

IDMA seeks to take a unified leadership role on all issues affecting the industry and convenes biennially at the same time as the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) World Diamond Congress. The Congress includes a session of the general assemblies of both organizations, where joint resolutions are passed on current issues of concern.

The Association has played an active role in establishing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and is a co-founder of the World Diamond Council." ... more about I. D. M. A.

" A society is about people; gems are the subjects that bring us together. The IGS has thousands of members on every continent, (except Antarctica of course.) They range from seasoned professionals to the merely curious.
Professionals join because gems are their favorite topic. We offer them the Professional Gem Reference, the Gem Pricing Guide, news, and advertising privileges. However, from the feedback we receive their favorite part are the technical articles. They tell us the articles are a good refresher and we frequently hear where they have learned something new. The professionals in our organization are important for sharing their wealth of knowledge. No one individual has the experience of the membership as a whole.
On the other hand, some of our members have no interest in working in the trade. They simply want to unravel the mysteries surrounding their prizes. Nowhere else can a person access so much information from an unbiased source. ..." more

"The mission statement of CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation

CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewellery trade organizations.
CIBJO's purpose is to encourage harmonisation, promote international cooperation in the jewellery industry, and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide. Foremost among these is to protect consumer confidence in the industry.

CIBJO pursues these objectives through informed deliberation, decisions reached in accordance with its statutes, and proactive communications with member national organizations and the trade.

CIBJO functions as a centre of knowledge, a decision-making body, and an advocate for the well being of the jewellery industry worldwide." ... more

"The Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China (DFHK) is a non-profit organization aims to protect the integrity of diamond and consumer’s interest by standardizing business practice. It is a joined force of two long-established associations in Hong Kong, namely the Diamond Importers Association (1959) and the Hong Kong Diamond Bourse(1985).

Since January 2000, DFHK has undertaken their missions in maintaining Hong Kong’s reputation as the diamond center in Asia and in promoting quality services and consumer rights.

Consequently the Integrity Pledge Scheme was launched to ensure an ethnical and professional image of our members.

Under the self-regulatory schemes for the diamond industry, members would mark on the sales invoice a true description of the diamond sold over 0.5 carat. Consumers therefore can shop with confidence and enjoyment." ... more

"The Russian MSU Gemological Center was established in 1995 under Moscow State University’s Mineralogy and Crystallography division, within the Department of Geology. MSU was established in 1755 and is Russia’s highest ranking educational and science center. In 2005 ALROSA named one of its biggest diamonds the “250th Anniversary of Moscow University”.

MSU Gemological Center is recognized as a leading educational and scientific center in the field of gemology. Our mission is to deliver knowledge and skills to our customers to help them add value to gemstones to achieve success.

Leading Russian gem mining, polishing, trading and jewelry manufacturing companies rely on the MSU Gemological Center. Among its clients is ALROSA company, the worlds second largest diamond miner producing about one quarter of all rough diamonds. MSU Gemological Center has strong ties with the international diamond industry and trade in India, Belgium, USA, Australia, and other countries.

The staff of the Gemological Center is committed to growth and development in the constantly evolving world of gemstones. Its products and services are focused in the Business to Business area to enhance professional industry and trade, and to guarantee consumer confidence by protect end users and ethical trade members against misleading or unfair competition. Our main directions are educational programs, testing laboratory services, research, new technologies, equipment, books, consultations and gemstone promotion." ... more

"The purposes for which the IDCA is formed are:

to associate its members together for their mutual benefit as traders of Diamond & Colored Stones, to promote, support, maintain, protect and increase the business of diamonds and precious stones, pearls, jewelry etc., to promote a code of conduct and high standards of ethics in the trade among members and to do all such acts and things as may be necessary, proper and advisable for increasing the diamond and colored Stones business of its members and facilitating the same.

IDCA was formed about 20 years ago with about 60 to 75 members. Today IDCA has a membership of about 300 companies. This is organization formed to represent people of Indian origin. IDCA’s members today include people from the gem and jewelry and diamond industry and also associate members from jewelry related fields.

IDCA is dedicated to promoting the use of merchandise from Indian merchants in the US, which is the largest consumer market in the world.

IDCA makes you aware that Indians are not just important in India but they are also important in the US." ... more

"The Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA), established in 1931, is the leading organization of America's premier diamond manufacturers, importers, and dealers. The DMIA's membership also includes numerous companies servicing the diamond trade such as banks, shippers, insurers, and diamond grading laboratories.

The DMIA is a "Not for Profit" Corporation.

Our mission is to promote the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the American marketplace. The DMIA, remains at the forefront in addressing domestic and world diamond industry issues, acts as a representative for the American diamond industry together with other industry organizations, governmental bodies, and the diamond consuming public.

The DMIA is dedicated to advancing and ensuring consumer confidence in diamonds and diamond jewelry." ... more

"Since its incorporation in 1903, MJSA has helped jewelry makers, designers, and suppliers of all sizes achieve professional excellence and maintain their competitive edge. In joining MJSA, companies connect with the collective strength of the association’s membership. This better enables them to source supplies and services, gain access to needed technical and business expertise, and achieve maximum profitability. The MJSA advantage can be seen in several key areas" ... more

" Jewelers of America (JA) is the national association for the retail jeweler. JA is both a center of knowledge for the jeweler and an advocate for professionalism and high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the jewelry trade. The JA mission is to assist all members in improving their business skills and profitability. JA will provide access to meaningful educational programs and services, leadership in public and industry affairs, and encourage members with common interests to act in their and the industry’s best interests. "

"The New York Diamond Dealers Club was established in lower Manhattan in 1931, in the midst of the worst economic depression in American history. At that time, the idea of venturing into a new business seemed absurd to most, yet a small group of forward-thinking diamantaires chose to initiate the first big step for a New York-based diamond trade association. They were convinced that American diamond dealers should follow the lead of their European colleagues and organize a secure, private exchange for their trading.

World War II caused many European dealers to immigrate to the United Sates, thereby expanding the numbers of the Diamond Dealers Club. In the post war years, the U.S. diamond trade took on a bustling, thriving character. As the Club developed and expanded, it outgrew its space. The Club was forced to move several times to accommodate its increasing number of members.

In the 1940's, the Club decided to move to a West 47th Street location, uptown and away from its mainstream of business. By 1956, the Diamond Dealers Club experienced space problems again. The trading floor was greatly enlarged, and made more comfortable for the membership. In 1985, the Club moved to its current location at 11 West 47th Street where it occupies spacious quarters that include a trading floor, modern communications, administrative space, and restaurant facilities.

As the Club's presence grew on 47th Street, the number of jewelry and diamond businesses increased overwhelmingly. Within a few years, the street was well on its way to becoming the highly concentrated display of diamonds and diamond jewelry that it is today -- probably the largest in the world. Indeed, 47th Street is now marked by signs identifying it as Diamond & Jewelry Way, since more than 2,000 businesses devoted to the diamond and jewelry industry are conveniently located in the heart of Manhattan."