About GIA - What is GIA

1. What is GIA A Tradition of Science and Education Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. Conceived 75 years ago in the grand tradition of Europe’s most respected institutes, GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Laboratory and GIA Instruments) gemological knowledge to ensure the public trust in gems and jewelry. With 1,100 employees, the Institute’s scientists, diamond graders, and educators are regarded, collectively, as the world's foremost authority in gemology. Gary Ralfe Testimonial A History of Discovery and Innovation GIA’s groundbreaking scientific research has been covered for more than 65 years by its award winning quarterly journal, Gems & Gemology. The Institute’s history of education, research, laboratory services, and instrument development reads much like a chronicle of the jewelry industry’s own growth and sophistication. GIA is the creator of the famous 4Cs of diamond value (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight). It is also the corporate birthplace of the International Diamond Grading System™. Today, GIA’s D-Z color-grading scale and GIA’s Flawless–I3 clarity-grading scale are recognized by virtually every professional jeweler and savvy diamond buyer in the world. The Institute is also known for having developed and patented the first modern jeweler's loupe. Upholding the Highest Standards of Academics Chicago Sun Times Testimonial But at the core of GIA’s activities is its commitment to education. The Institute is home to the prestigious Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma. The distinguished G.G. designation at the end of an individual’s name is instantly recognized around the world as the mark of a senior professional in the jewelry industry. In addition to the G.G. program, GIA's Jewelry Design and Manufacturing Arts courses and the Institute's School of Business continue to earn international recognition for their acclaimed curricula. GIA – the World’s Most Trusted Name in Diamond Grading and Gemstone Identification Internationally, the Institute has distinguished itself as the preeminent source of gemological knowledge and professionalism. By extension, the GIA Diamond Grading Report and the GIA Diamond Dossier are considered the world's premier gemological credentials. Diamonds of all shapes and sizes are sent to the Institute from every corner of the globe for analysis and grading. Some of the more celebrated stones graded by GIA include: the Hope Diamond (45.52 carats), the Steinmetz Pink (59.60 carats), the Taylor-Burton Diamond (69.42 carats), the Allnatt (101.29 carats), the De Beers Millennium Star (203.04 carats), the Centenary Diamond (273.85 carats), and the Incomparable Diamond (407.48 carats). Wall Street Journal 2 - Testimonial GIA is also where the White House and Congress have turned for definitive answers. It is where the bibles of gemology are quite literally written. And where the largest gem and jewelry library in the world is housed. Ensuring the Public Trust in Gems and Jewelry through Nonprofit Service since 1931 What is GIA? It is where the molecules of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism bond to create a reaction of extraordinary nonprofit service.