GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesGradingFeb 02, 2026
IGI to Acquire American Gemological Laboratories
IGI is buying the colored gemstone grading laboratory through IGI USA, and AGL will continue to operate as its own brand.
IGI announced over the weekend that it is acquiring American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) via step-down subsidiary IGI USA. It said the lab will continue to operate independently, and Chris Smith will continue in his role as AGL president and chief gemologist.
New York—The International Gemological Institute is acquiring American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), the colored gemstone-focused laboratory run by Chris Smith.
International Gemological Institute (India) Ltd., which is owned by private equity firm Blackstone and went public in December 2024, announced the purchase following its board of directors meeting, held Saturday in Mumbai.
IGI is acquiring AGL through its step-down subsidiary, IGI USA, purchasing a 100 percent stake in AGL Holdco from Chris and Helene Smith.
AGL Holdco will become a wholly owned subsidiary of IGI USA, and a step-down subsidiary of IGI Belgium and IGI India.
The deal is worth approximately $13.2 million, with $9 million payable at closing and $4.2 million payable after closing, subject to certain conditions.
Related stories will be right here …
International Gemological Institute (India) Ltd., which is owned by private equity firm Blackstone and went public in December 2024, announced the purchase following its board of directors meeting, held Saturday in Mumbai.
IGI is acquiring AGL through its step-down subsidiary, IGI USA, purchasing a 100 percent stake in AGL Holdco from Chris and Helene Smith.
AGL Holdco will become a wholly owned subsidiary of IGI USA, and a step-down subsidiary of IGI Belgium and IGI India.
The deal is worth approximately $13.2 million, with $9 million payable at closing and $4.2 million payable after closing, subject to certain conditions.
IGI said in the press release announcing the acquisition that AGL will remain headquartered in New York, and Chris Smith will stay on as the lab’s president and chief gemologist, a role he has held since April 2009.
IGI said AGL will operate independently as its own brand—meaning its reports will still be “AGL” reports—with no immediate operational changes planned.
The acquisition gives AGL an opportunity to expand beyond the U.S. market and “significantly” grow its colored stone services, Chris Smith said.
“With the support of Blackstone and the international reach of IGI, AGL will improve and expand the standards of integrity and service on a global scale.”
For IGI, acquiring AGL gives it a foothold in a different, and fast-growing, market—colored gemstones.
“This is a transformational step for the industry,” said Tehmasp Printer, IGI’s managing director and global CEO.
“By combining AGL’s scientific leadership with IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-ready ecosystem that delivers scale without compromising integrity. Together, we are setting a new global benchmark for consistency in gemstone certification.”
Dev Shetty, former COO of Gemfields and CEO of Fura Gems and now founder and CEO of Jemora Group, served as a strategic advisor on the transaction.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
