Lab-GrownFeb 24, 2021
More Stones with Fraudulent Inscriptions Submitted to GIAGradingSep 14, 2021
Investigation Into Fraudulent GIA Reports Continues in India
The lab said “most” of the diamonds paired with reports stating they were natural and untreated are actually lab-grown or treated diamonds.
Carlsbad, Calif.—Authorities in Surat, India are continuing their investigation into a scheme to pass off lower-quality natural and lab-grown diamonds as more valuable natural stones by using fraudulent GIA reports and fake inscriptions.
In mid-August, The Times of India reported that police in Surat detained a diamond trader and seized 24 GIA reports and five lower-quality diamonds inscribed with numbers that matched five reports for higher-quality stones.
Authorities also seized the laser machine believed to have been used to inscribe the stones with fraudulent report numbers, The Times reported.
In a statement issued Monday from its headquarters in Carlsbad, GIA said police in India asked its lab there to aid in the investigation.
What GIA India determined is that some of the reports were legitimate GIA reports—The Times said the diamond trader obtained reports from business associates of his who provided them without diamonds—while some were counterfeits that used legitimate GIA report numbers.
The lab also determined “most” of the diamonds paired with reports stating they were natural, untreated stones were actually treated or lab-grown diamonds.
“GIA India is continuing to cooperate with local authorities,” the lab said. “In addition, GIA India requested police conduct the necessary investigations and take the necessary steps to identify and arrest the perpetrators of these malicious acts against GIA and the innocent people who this fraud may have deceived.”
Related stories will be right here …
In mid-August, The Times of India reported that police in Surat detained a diamond trader and seized 24 GIA reports and five lower-quality diamonds inscribed with numbers that matched five reports for higher-quality stones.
Authorities also seized the laser machine believed to have been used to inscribe the stones with fraudulent report numbers, The Times reported.
In a statement issued Monday from its headquarters in Carlsbad, GIA said police in India asked its lab there to aid in the investigation.
What GIA India determined is that some of the reports were legitimate GIA reports—The Times said the diamond trader obtained reports from business associates of his who provided them without diamonds—while some were counterfeits that used legitimate GIA report numbers.
The lab also determined “most” of the diamonds paired with reports stating they were natural, untreated stones were actually treated or lab-grown diamonds.
“GIA India is continuing to cooperate with local authorities,” the lab said. “In addition, GIA India requested police conduct the necessary investigations and take the necessary steps to identify and arrest the perpetrators of these malicious acts against GIA and the innocent people who this fraud may have deceived.”
This “unfortunate” situation in India also underscores the need to have GIA update the diamond grading report before completing a purchase, particularly when the buyer doesn’t know the seller very well, GIA added.
The counterfeit inscriptions that turned up in India recently are the latest in a string for GIA.
An article in the Lab Notes section of the fall issue of “Gems & Gemology” detailed how graders at the GIA lab in Johannesburg, South Africa caught three moissanites inscribed with GIA report numbers for natural diamonds.
Another case was reported in February, this one involving lab-grown or treated natural diamonds inscribed with report numbers for untreated natural stones that had been submitted to various GIA labs worldwide.
More on Grading
The Latest
ColumnistsJan 22, 2025
On Data: How Did Independent Jewelers Fare in 2024? Sherry Smith shares data on the year gone by, including the breakdown between natural and lab-grown diamond sales.
Policies & IssuesJan 22, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Steps Up Aid for LA Jewelry BusinessesThe company also is matching donations made to Jewelers of America and the Diamond Council of America’s Jewelers Relief Fund.
Events & AwardsJan 22, 2025
JA Seeking Nominations for Its Next ‘20 Under 40’ ClassNow in its fourth year, the program is expanding to include a list of “20 Under 40” for jewelry suppliers.
Brought to you by
3 New Year’s Resolutions for Jewelry Lovers The new year feels like a clean slate, inspiring reflection, hope, and the motivation to become better versions of ourselves.
SurveysJan 22, 2025
Holiday Sales Hit Record High, Says NRFCore retail sales during the 2024 holiday season surpassed the National Retail Federation’s forecast.
Weekly QuizJan 16, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 22, 2025
Foundrae’s New Collection Channels the Power of NowThe “Reach for Life” collection uses feather and arrow motifs to invite growth and inner curiosity.
ColumnistsJan 21, 2025
Peter Smith: Sales Training’s Dirty Little SecretPeter Smith pulls back the curtain on the often misinterpreted, and sometimes maligned, world of sales training.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Celebrates "Forever Present" Holiday CampaignA Diamond is Forever hosted a holiday celebration in honor of their new marketing campaign, ‘Forever Present.’
TrendsJan 21, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Decadent Mocha MoussePantone’s 2025 Color of the Year takes the form of jewelry through gemstones and enamel that look just as delicious as mocha mousse.
Policies & IssuesJan 21, 2025
These Designers and Retailers Are Raising Money for LA Wildfire Relief From raffles to auctions to donations, the industry is working to aid charities in Los Angeles amid the raging wildfires.
SourcingJan 21, 2025
Diamonds Do Good Adds 2 Board MembersJulia Hackman Chafé and Monica Elias have joined the organization’s board of directors.
FinancialsJan 17, 2025
Richemont’s Jewelry Sales Rise 14% in Holiday QuarterThe company, which owns Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, had a record Q3, with sales topping $6 billion.
CollectionsJan 17, 2025
Piece of the Week: Picchiotti’s Transformable ‘Classic Blue and Green’ NecklaceThe necklace features a sapphire drop weighing more than 9 carats that detaches to transform into a ring.
MajorsJan 17, 2025
Tiffany & Co., CFDA Name First Winner of Jewelry Designer AwardJameel Mohammed, founder of Afrofuturist brand Khiry, will receive a cash prize and a one-year paid fellowship with Tiffany & Co.
IndependentsJan 16, 2025
Lux Bond & Green to Open Sixth LocationThe 127-year-old jeweler is planning to open a new store in Mystic, Connecticut.
WatchesJan 16, 2025
Timex Launches Collection of National Park WatchesThe watches’ dials feature artwork celebrating the vibrant energy and unique landscapes of six of America’s national parks.
AuctionsJan 16, 2025
Elizabeth Taylor’s Diamond Line Bracelet Going up for Auction Offered by U.K. auction house Woolley & Wallis, the yellow diamond bracelet was a gift from Taylor’s good friend Michael Jackson.
Events & AwardsJan 16, 2025
JCK Las Vegas 2025 Open for RegistrationThe jewelry trade show returns to The Venetian Expo and The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from June 6 to 9.
EditorsJan 15, 2025
The Jewelry I’d Bid On in Christie’s Iris Apfel AuctionAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite fashion jewelry pieces from the upcoming “Unapologetically Iris” auction.
MajorsJan 15, 2025
Macy’s to Close 66 Stores as Part of Turnaround StrategyThe closures are part of the retailer’s plan to close 150 locations over a three-year period.
Policies & IssuesJan 15, 2025
JVC Debuts Guide to Americans with Disabilities Act ComplianceThe online guide is available for free and written with the jewelry industry in mind.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Open for SubmissionsThe awards honor the late Jose Hess, a founding member of AJDC and an award-winning jewelry designer.
ColumnistsJan 14, 2025
Jules Kim: Building Bridges Between Creators and IndustryIn this special op-ed, designer Jules Kim calls on big brands to collaborate with independent creators instead of copying their designs.
FinancialsJan 14, 2025
Signet Jewelers Lowers Q4 Guidance After Holiday Sales Fall ShortThe peak selling days leading up to Christmas did not meet the jewelry retailer’s expectations.
MajorsJan 14, 2025
Edouard Schneider Joins Messika as Chief Brand OfficerSchneider brings over 20 years of luxury and fashion industry experience to his role as a key member of the brand’s global leadership team.
SourcingJan 13, 2025
Zambia Reinstates 15% Export Duty on Precious Gemstones, Shocking GemfieldsGemfields said the Zambian government revoked the 2019 suspension of the tax with no warning.
TechnologyJan 13, 2025
Ultrahuman Unveils Luxury Smart RingWith versions in 18-karat gold and platinum, the wearables company is blending health technology and fine jewelry.
