GradingNov 06, 2024
GIA to Close Lab in Ramat Gan, IsraelGradingApr 14, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick In
GIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
In light of the recently announced tariffs, GIA is now accepting larger diamonds at its Dubai and Hong Kong laboratories. It also is expanding its fancy color diamond services in Hong Kong.
Editor's note: A GIA spokesperson confirmed Friday that its temporary expansion of services in Dubai and Hong Kong remains in effect, even in light of the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs. Also, this story was updated post-publication to include the latest information on U.S. tariffs.
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced April 7 that it is expanding services at two labs overseas in light of recently announced tariffs and the “logistical challenges” they present for shipping gemstones around the globe.
The lab said, effective immediately, rough or polished D-Z color diamonds up to 9.99 carats can be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Dubai and Hong Kong. (The previous carat weight limit for submission to both labs was 3.99 carats; larger diamonds went to the GIA labs in New York or Carlsbad, California.)
In addition, rough or polished D-Z color diamonds 10 carats and above, as well as fancy color diamonds, can be submitted to the lab in Hong Kong until further notice, GIA said. (Previously, Hong Kong accepted only yellow diamonds weighing up to 3.99 carats; all other colors and larger yellows were shipped to New York or Carlsbad.)
The Dubai and Hong Kong labs also will continue to accept rough or polished D-Z color diamonds that are smaller than 3.99 carats, and the 3.99-carat threshold remains in place for the following labs: Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Tokyo, as well as Mumbai, India; Surat, India; and Gaborone, Botswana.
Related stories will be right here …
Carlsbad, Calif.—The Gemological Institute of America announced April 7 that it is expanding services at two labs overseas in light of recently announced tariffs and the “logistical challenges” they present for shipping gemstones around the globe.
The lab said, effective immediately, rough or polished D-Z color diamonds up to 9.99 carats can be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Dubai and Hong Kong. (The previous carat weight limit for submission to both labs was 3.99 carats; larger diamonds went to the GIA labs in New York or Carlsbad, California.)
In addition, rough or polished D-Z color diamonds 10 carats and above, as well as fancy color diamonds, can be submitted to the lab in Hong Kong until further notice, GIA said. (Previously, Hong Kong accepted only yellow diamonds weighing up to 3.99 carats; all other colors and larger yellows were shipped to New York or Carlsbad.)
The Dubai and Hong Kong labs also will continue to accept rough or polished D-Z color diamonds that are smaller than 3.99 carats, and the 3.99-carat threshold remains in place for the following labs: Bangkok, Johannesburg, and Tokyo, as well as Mumbai, India; Surat, India; and Gaborone, Botswana.
GIA noted that rough diamond submissions are subject to the Kimberley Process Certification rules in each country, and rough diamonds cannot be shipped to the GIA laboratory in Dubai.
Its laboratories in the United States (Carlsbad and New York) will continue to accept diamonds, colored stones and pearls of any size from clients in the U.S. or with a U.S. country of origin.
The labs in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Tokyo will continue to provide colored stone and pearl services, while the Mumbai lab will continue to provide pearl services.
Clients with questions about GIA services should contact their client service team, while questions about shipping should be directed to couriers.
President Donald Trump announced his administration’s list of reciprocal tariffs at a press conference on April 2. The list included double-digit taxes on goods imported from nations that are key in the jewelry trade, including China, Vietnam, India, Thailand, Botswana, and Israel.
About 13 hours after the reciprocal tariffs went into effect, Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, that he was pausing the reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, though a considerably higher tax rate remains in place for goods imported from China, with the rate varying depending on the product.
More on Grading
The Latest
Supplier BulletinJul 03, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Brilliant Earth Names Tennis Star Madison Keys as Its New AmbassadorThe 2025 Australian Open champion is the jewelry brand’s first athlete ambassador.
MajorsJul 03, 2025
Muse Sets Up Shop in Nordstrom’s New Jewelry HallThe West Village jewelry boutique’s new shop-in-shop is the cornerstone of Nordstrom’s revamped jewelry hall.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 03, 2025
SRK Announces Its Natural Diamonds Are Now Carbon-NegativeThis past year, the manufacturer said it recorded below-zero emissions per carat of natural diamond.
Weekly QuizJul 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Firework of Diamonds From YepremThe brand’s “Golden Strada” statement necklace features round, marquise, and pear diamonds that sparkle like Fourth of July fireworks.
CrimeJul 03, 2025
JSA Shares Holiday Weekend Security Tips Amid Spike in BurglariesJSA’s Scott Guginsky provided a list of nine security measures jewelers should observe while locking up for the long weekend.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Boucheron Looks to LA for First West Coast FlagshipLocated on Rodeo Drive, the store’s design was inspired by Hollywood and Los Angeles culture.
MajorsJul 02, 2025
Marco Bicego Opens Milan FlagshipThe new location continues the brand’s celebration of its 25th anniversary.
WatchesJul 02, 2025
Chrono24 Revamps Brand, Launches New CampaignThe online watch marketplace’s “Time Is Our Thing” campaign highlights the importance of time.
SourcingJul 02, 2025
Bernadette Mack Joins Gem Legacy as Executive DirectorShe will oversee strategic planning, fundraising, industry partnerships, and the launch of the Gem Legacy Campus in Tanzania.
CrimeJul 02, 2025
Pandora, Amazon Partner to Uncover Counterfeit Jewelry NetworkWorking with Amazon’s Counterfeit Crimes Unit and law enforcement, Pandora helped to shut down a large-scale counterfeit network in China.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Cast Closes Business, Plans for RelaunchThe jewelry company has closed its three California brick-and-mortar stores, as well as its online shop, for now.
Events & AwardsJul 01, 2025
William Goldberg Diamonds, FIT Partner for Apprenticeship ProgramThe company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.
IndependentsJul 01, 2025
Elie Hannoush, Founder of Hannoush Jewelers, Dies at 73He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.
MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysThe jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
TrendsJul 01, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Red Hot RubiesWelcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
