GIA trying to standardise Grading and charges in O''seas labs

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullNews.asp?id=33478

"Equality
All diamonds – and all customers – are treated equally. Regardless of the size, origin or ownership, each diamond undergoes the same rigorous testing and grading procedures as all others. Neither the client nor the customer service representative at the take-in window determines where the diamond will be graded. GIA does not disclose this information in adherence to its security guidelines and “Code of Conduct and Professional Ethics Policy.” There is no preferential treatment for either the diamonds or owners."


This seems to be a reaction to the comments circulating in the trade. Reports of even more obvious inconsistent grading, along with competition between various GIA labs in different countries, and their courier systems, with reports of bonuses for reaching certain monthly volumes etc were things that were said to have been ruled out after certifigate. It seems the fight for survival during the GFC took a toll?

 

[Karl_K]

Sounds like a preemptive strike ahead of bad news.
Wonder what it will be this time....

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 1/15/2010 11:17:53 PM
Author: Karl_K
Sounds like a preemptive strike ahead of bad news.
Wonder what it will be this time....

The bad news is already out, they are hosing down the fire Karl.

It has even been suggested that some of our own John Pollard''s comments re GIA in part II of his article published in Idex mag may have triggered part of this reaction. John is going to post a pdf of his article soon.

 

[Lestat]

Probably a silly question, but is there a way to find out which GIA lab graded my diamond by looking at the report?

 

[JogiaDiamonds]

Date: 1/16/2010 12:09:30 AM
Author: Lestat
Probably a silly question, but is there a way to find out which GIA lab graded my diamond by looking at the report?

I don''t think so. The only loophole I''ve found is when the report says "December 25", a day when GIA is closed in the US, so it''s probably from GIA India (or another GIA lab). I''d say that if they started identifying which lab the cert is from, most consumers would gravitate toward the US labs.

Reports of even more obvious inconsistent grading

Are these reports from large manufacturers, or on a much smaller scale?

The best indicator that I''ve found so far regarding the consistency of GIA grades is from Venus Jewel. From memory, 90%+ of their GIA certified stones come out the same as their grades, whilst a lot of their IGI stones, are upgraded by either one colour or clarity grade, sometimes even more.

In fact, I''d say all these unfavourable reports and rumours prove that GIA is the best and most consistent lab, as such events are so rare that people actually take the time to write and report about them.