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.

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.
The Latest

“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.

Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.

Designer Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.

Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.

The company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.


Sponsored by the Gemological Institute of America

Simon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.

The risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.

A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.

The company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.

The organization also announced its board of directors.

Charms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.

Located in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.

Paola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.

A platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.

The basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.

The Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.

The 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.

Lilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.

The Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Van Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.

Industry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
The two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.

The jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.