By IANS,
Hyderabad : International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world’s largest independent gem certification and appraisal institute, is setting up a laboratory for testing and grading of jewellery and diamonds in Hyderabad.
The laboratory, which will become operational in January next year, will be the 10th such facility of GI in India.
Tehmasp Printer, India managing director of IGI, told reporters here Monday that the 2,500 square feet laboratory and the institute were coming up at Panjagutta in the heart of the city.
He said the IGI was pleased to start its operations in the historic city of Hyderabad, where the diamonds originated. He pointed out that the Golconda mines in the city yielded the world’s first diamonds, which were invaluable.
Printer said the lab in Hyderabad would offer a window service, where loose diamonds can be deposited for grading them in five days. The IGI charges Rs.3,500 for diamond certification for each carat.
With the growing diamond market, the setting up IGI lab is expected to benefit jewellers in the city, who were hitherto sending the gemstones to Chennai lab for evaluation.
IGI uses 14 parameters to judge the carat weight, clarity, color and cut of a diamond.
The IGI, which offers courses to meet the increasing demand for gemologists, also started two-day buyer seller knowledge meet in Hyderabad. Printer said such interactions were aimed at future development of the gemstone market by bringing together those who offer IGI certification and the jewellers who trust IGI certification.
IGI plans to organize such meets in other cities in India.