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
ColumnistsSep 23, 2025
Quiet Luxury: What Fall’s Top Trend Means for JewelersEmmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’sThe private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
SourcingSep 23, 2025
Super Smalls’ New Book Introduces Kids to Gems, Fine JewelryThe “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.
Brought to you by
reDollar.com Is Rolling Out the Next Level Jewelry, Diamond & Watch Consignment ProgramWith their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.
MajorsSep 23, 2025
Mattioli Names Kering Exec as New CEOClaudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.
Weekly QuizSep 19, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsSep 23, 2025
Monique Lhuillier Adds Fashion Jewelry to Kay Jewelers LineThe new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.
SourcingSep 22, 2025
Rio Tinto Announces Final ‘Beyond Rare’ TenderThe miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorThe California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.
CollectionsSep 22, 2025
Gurhan's Collection is an 'Untamed' ZooThe “Untamed” collection centers on carved gemstone jewelry depicting a range of animals embodying one of the four elemental forces.
Policies & IssuesSep 22, 2025
Ethical Metalsmiths Has a New Name Founded in 2004, the organization is now called the Community for Ethical Jewelry.
EditorsSep 19, 2025
These Female Athletes Had the Best Jewelry of the SummerFrom Coco Gauff’s hoops to Madison Keys’ diamond medallion, these are Senior Editor Lenore Fedow’s standout jewelry looks of the season.
CollectionsSep 19, 2025
Piece of the Week: Vanessa Fernández Studio’s ‘Curva’ Wrap HoopsThe trendy earrings feature asymmetrical drops, one with a grossular garnet and the other with a diamond.
Recorded WebinarsSep 19, 2025
Watch: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using TikTok and Instagram ReelsFour social media marketing experts discuss their go-to methods and favorite tools for making high-quality short-form video content.
Supplier BulletinSep 18, 2025
Will Your Design Define 2026? Enter The Spectrum & Cutting Edge AwardsSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
SurveysSep 18, 2025
Deloitte Thinks the Holidays Will Be Merry, PwC Isn’t So Sure In its holiday report, PwC said the season will be more like jazz—improvisational and less predictable—than an easy-to-follow melody.
MajorsSep 18, 2025
Pandora to Open New Distribution Center in MarylandThe jewelry giant will relocate its existing facility to a larger space in Anne Arundel.
CollectionsSep 18, 2025
Ashley Zhang Launches Garçon New YorkThe designer, who is the creative force behind her namesake brand, has now started a new mini line focusing on chains for fathers and sons.
SourcingSep 18, 2025
SSEF Opens Applications for 2 Gemology Education Scholarships The awards include tuition for a course at the Swiss lab, economy flights, and hotel accommodation.
TechnologySep 18, 2025
Hill & Co. Launches AI Strategy ProgramThe 21-day program was designed to help jewelry retailers identify opportunities and eliminate inefficiencies with AI.
AuctionsSep 17, 2025
Mythical Set of Patek Philippe Pocket Watches Expected to Sell for $10M+A set of four Patek Philippe “Star Caliber 2000” pocket watches is part of Sotheby’s upcoming auction in Abu Dhabi.
TrendsSep 17, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s Book Tells the ‘Journey of a Jeweler’The Brazilian jeweler’s latest book marks her namesake brand’s 25th anniversary and tells the tale of her worldwide collaborations.
WatchesSep 17, 2025
Bob’s Watches Acquires Vintage Rolex Won on ‘The Price is Right’ The Submariner Ref. 1680 with a Tiffany & Co. dial came from the original owner, who won it as a prize on the game show in the 1970s.
TechnologySep 17, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Launches Shipping Solution App for Shopify The new integration allows users to manage shipments directly from the Shopify dashboard.
EditorsSep 16, 2025
Out & About: 7 Great Quotes From Converge in CarlsbadAt Converge 2025, Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff attended sessions on DEI, tariffs, security, and more. Here are her top takeaways.
CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutSix people were shot last week at an Oakland cash-for-gold shop as employees exchanged gunfire with individuals trying to rob the store.
CollectionsSep 16, 2025
Chopard Adds New Designs to Its ‘Ice Cube’ Capsule CollectionThe jeweler has expanded its high jewelry offering, which launched last year, with new pieces featuring its cube motif that debuted in 1999.
