The GIA (Gemological Institute Of America) has announced that, “as consumer and government demand increases for credible country-of-origin information for polished diamonds,” the organization supports, “all traceability programs that [provide] important diamond origin information to ensure consumer confidence in natural diamonds.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques added: “There is more than one possible solution to the challenge of providing credible, verified diamond origin information in a way that meets the needs of different industry sectors and meets consumer demands and government requirements.”
According to the press release, the GIA is working with government bodies – the Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC), India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Council (GJEPC), the World Diamond Council (WDC) and others – to support “the development of effective diamond traceability solutions.”
The GIA highlighted the importance of collaborating to trace the origin of diamonds, especially given the upcoming announcement by the G7 countries about stricter sanctions and enforcement measures to stop Russian-origin diamonds from entering G7 nations. These measures are set to take effect in early 2024.
