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
MajorsOct 19, 2026
The Knot to Acquire Rival Wedding Planning Platform ZolaThe pending acquisition is an “exciting opportunity” for wedding vendors to grow their business, said The Knot Worldwide’s CEO.
SourcingOct 19, 2026
Jewelry Design Competition Show Airs in Thailand"The Secret Gems" features eight Thai jewelry brands paired with a team of young craftspeople who create jewelry together to win challenges.
CollectionsOct 19, 2026
John Hardy Enters the Medallion Chat With Talisman Collection The brand’s “Modern Talisman” capsule collection introduces pendants inspired by the mythology, natural world, and spiritual ethos of Bali.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
IndependentsOct 19, 2026
The Stories of 5 Jewelers Celebrating Their Centennials in 2026Independent jewelers from New Mexico to New Jersey answer the question: What has kept your store in business for 100 years?
Weekly QuizOct 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SurveysOct 16, 2026
How Inflation, Gas Prices Will Affect Holiday Sales The NRF is expecting holiday sales to increase this year, but consumers and retailers alike are facing Grinch-like headwinds.
CollectionsOct 16, 2026
Christina Puchi’s Earrings Hold the UniverseOur Piece of the Week gathers the planets, represented by a variety of colored gemstones, in a pair of 14-karat yellow gold earrings.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
IndependentsOct 16, 2026
Reeds Jewelers Expands, Relocates FlagshipThe New York-based jeweler is moving its Amherst flagship store to a larger location in nearby Snyder.
MajorsOct 16, 2026
Katy Chen Appointed Executive Vice President of Graff USA Chen, who worked at Cartier and Tiffany & Co., will lead retail sales and operations for the luxury jeweler’s 11 U.S. stores.
IndependentsOct 15, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Amy and Elise Greenberg For 40 years, sisters Amy and Elise Greenberg have helmed their 126-year-old family business, leading with appreciation and integrity.
ColumnistsOct 15, 2026
Peter Smith: What Is the Culture REP?It’s a term Smith coined and felt compelled to share following a bad experience with an aborted flight and an unfeeling flight attendant.
WatchesOct 15, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb’s New Movado Watches Are Made for Your Wrist StackMovado teamed up with the New York-based fine jewelry designer on a new collection of Movado Museum Velura watches.
SourcingOct 15, 2026
Signet Jewelers, Richemont May Join Bidder for De Beers, Report SaysThe two companies are reportedly in talks to join the Global Diamond Consortium, led by former De Beers CEO Gareth Penny, as per Bloomberg.
CollectionsOct 15, 2026
Wolf x Marla Aaron's New Jewelry Box Is for Some (Not All) of Your ThingsThe “Some of the Things” box follows the two larger “Everything” box designs with the look and function of antique sewing and toolboxes.
IndependentsOct 14, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Coleman and Mitchell ClarkFourth-generation jewelers Coleman and Mitchell Clark exemplify the best qualities of their predecessors: humility, modesty, and confidence.
SourcingOct 14, 2026
Manuel Marcial de Gomar, ‘The Emerald Whisperer,’ Dies at 90The gem hunter, whose 70-year career was defined by adventure and exploration, is remembered for his steadfast faith and sense of wonder.
FinancialsOct 14, 2026
LVMH’s Jewelry Brands Turn in ‘Very Good’ Performance in Q3 Tiffany & Co. continued its full-scale store renovation project while Bulgari’s high jewelry collection generated “record-breaking revenue.”
Events & AwardsOct 14, 2026
Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference Releases 2026 ProgramThis year’s sessions feature leading voices from human rights, legal, and conservation organizations.
MajorsOct 13, 2026
David Webb Owner Purchases Lugano JewelryThe high-end jewelry retailer was sold to private investment firm Middle West Partners and a group of longtime clients.
Lab-GrownOct 13, 2026
Stephanie Gottlieb Takes Lab-Grown Diamond Collection WholesaleThe jewelry designer has partnered with Sofer Jewelry to distribute her 85-piece lab-grown diamond collection.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Retailer Hall of Fame 2026: Sean DunnDunn, this year’s Single-Store Independent inductee, is passionate about innovation and telling the story of natural diamonds.
AuctionsOct 13, 2026
Christie's Geneva To Auction 'Bulgari Pink' DiamondThe 24-carat fancy intense pink diamond ring could fetch up to $18 million at the November sale.
IndependentsOct 13, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers’ New Candle Smells Like HomeThe “Island Jewel” candle honors New York City and Puerto Rico and raises money for the island’s water relief efforts.
TechnologyOct 13, 2026
GemFind Is a New JA Member Benefit Partner The partnership will give JA members access to preferred pricing, exclusive benefits, technology solutions, education, and resources.
SurveysOct 09, 2026
These Will Be the 10 Busiest Days for In-Store Shopping This Holiday SeasonStores should expect to see the most customers on Nov. 27, and Christmas week is expected to be hectic too, as Dec. 25 falls on a Friday.
CollectionsOct 09, 2026
Elisa Solomon Collabs With Serendipity 3 on ‘Frozen Hot Chocolate’ CharmThe charm, our Piece of the Week, features brown diamond frozen hot chocolate topped with white diamond whipped cream and a ruby straw.
