Gemological Institute of America
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was founded in 1931 by jeweler Robert M. Shipley .
It deals with the exploration, research and teaching of gemstones and diamonds and their valuation. The organization is located in Carlsbad, California .
aims
The aim of the organization is to set standards for buying and selling precious stones. In the 1940s and 1950s, GIA therefore developed the so-called “4Cs” as a basis for the assessment: Carat , Clarity , Color and Cut . All diamonds in the world are classified according to these guidelines to this day.
Successes and Discoveries
- 1953: The development of our own color scale from D to Z and the grading of purity from FL to I3. The system is still the standard work for diamond grading today.
- 1968: First extensive study of the gemstone tanzanite .
research
The institute works in science in the field of gemology . In the early years, the goal was to use technology and knowledge to advance the precise and careful identification of gemstones. With the advent of more and more synthetic stones and stones that resemble diamonds, GIA is now specialized in recognizing these imitations or synthetic stones using a wide variety of measuring methods. The preparation of diamond reports has also been developed by GIA.
The institute is currently working on further detection methods for the detection of synthetic diamonds as well as treated sapphires , rubies and pearls .
Branches
In addition to the headquarters, there is a branch in 14 other countries, eleven of which are equipped with a campus, seven have a laboratory, and four are research centers.
legal form
The Gemological Institute of America Inc. is a non-profit organization under US law, Section 501 (c) .
Web links
- Official website (English)