SourcingJul 26, 2022
De Beers Hires VP for Code of Origin Program in North AmericaGradingJul 28, 2022
GIA to Open Lab in Dubai in Mid-2023
Announced earlier this week by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the news comes just as GIA prepares to close its Antwerp facility.
The Gemological Institute of America has signed a nine-year lease on two floors of office space for a new lab in Dubai’s Uptown Tower. The 79-floor skyscraper is slated to be fully complete by the end of the year. (Photo courtesy of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates—The Gemological Institute of America is slated to open a new laboratory in Dubai in mid-2023, leasing two floors of space in a new 79-floor skyscraper.
The announcement, made earlier this week by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, comes just as GIA closes its lab in Antwerp citing lack of demand and as Dubai looks to further cement its position as a leading hub for both rough and polished diamonds.
GIA previously had a take-in facility and offered education in Dubai through GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. but closed those operations at the end of 2019.
GIA will operate its new Dubai lab through subsidiary GIA Laboratory DMCC.
GIA previously had a take-in facility and offered education in Dubai through GIA India Laboratory Pvt. Ltd. but closed those operations at the end of 2019.
GIA will operate its new Dubai lab through subsidiary GIA Laboratory DMCC.
According to DMCC, the new GIA lab in Dubai will occupy more than 41,000 square feet across two floors of the Uptown Tower, a 1,115-foot-high structure that’s a mix of offices, residential, retail and hotel space.
It has signed a nine-year lease in the building.
The lab’s custom design will “create new efficiencies” in GIA’s laboratory processes and services, DMCC said, and will use the latest technology, including advanced GIA instrumentation.
The opening of the lab is expected to create as many as 500 new jobs in Dubai.
“The growing importance of Dubai as a diamond center and its outstanding infrastructure make the DMCC an excellent choice for a significant expansion of GIA’s capacity,” Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer, said in DMCC’s announcement of the lease.
“Dubai’s close proximity to the important diamond manufacturing and producing centers, in addition to efficient transportation links to global diamond markets, will help support our clients and, very importantly, extend our important consumer protection mission.”
GIA said it will release more information on the new lab closer to its mid-2023 opening.
A project of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the same firm that created the Burj Khalifa, Uptown Tower was designed to call to mind a diamond, with an all-glass exterior resembling facets.
It is LEED gold-certified and billed as “Dubai’s latest landmark.”
Construction on the tower finished earlier this year. The structure is currently in its testing and commissioning phase, with completion set for the fourth quarter this year, DMCC said.
GradingJun 16, 2022
GIA to Close Antwerp Lab Next Month
GradingJun 09, 2022
GIA to Phase Out Paper Reports by 2025More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
