Q. The diamond industry is increasing relying on technology in all areas, especially in its interface with consumers. In what areas is GIA employing new technologies now and what’s the future direction?
Tom Moses
Since its founding more than 90 years ago, GIA has been at the forefront of applying research, technology and advanced instrumentation in our laboratories. All of that is to advance our mission to protect consumers and meet the needs of the trade.
Our strategy is to apply technology to increase efficiency and – very importantly – to detect and identify new gem treatments. Whether it is using artificial intelligence to support clarity grading, using robotic systems to integrate existing instruments into a system such as the automated GIA melee sorting service, or building decades of research and experience into the desktop GIA iD100 instrument to differentiate natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, we move thoughtfully to ensure results and reports are consistent over time and that consumer protection is at the center of what we do.
Q. Are different technologies being offered in differing markets?
Tom Moses
GIA offers the same services using the same standards, processes and technologies across all of our global locations.
Q. Traceability is a popular buzzword in the diamond industry today. The GIA is offering a Diamond Origin report. Can you please elaborate?
Tom Moses
Traceability and provenance are increasingly important to consumers, governments and global organizations.
We know from decades of research conducted by GIA scientists that, at this time, it is not possible to determine the origin of an individual polished diamond. The best way to help consumers get the origin information that they want is by preserving and retaining origin information from the rough producers.
Our two diamond origin services – the GIA Diamond Origin Report and the Source Verification Service – communicate verified information to consumers based on verified documentation and process audits.
Q. The GIA recently decided to also offer printed reports, after introducing digital reports, which was heavily praised by the trade. Why do you think the digital reports were not accepted?
Pritesh Patel
We made the decision to offer printed reports along with the digital reports for the GIA Diamond Dossier after receiving helpful responses from clients and industry stakeholders about their concerns with integrating the digital-only report into their processes.
Q. Is GIA looking to improve the digital reports and perhaps try to launch them again?
Pritesh Patel
We are working right now to develop robust, secure and compelling digital versions of all our reports.
Q. What is the role of education in introducing new technologies?
Pritesh Patel
Education is important in the adoption of any new technology so that people can understand its benefits.
