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.
More on Grading
The Latest
AuctionsJun 26, 2026
‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Finds a New Home A ring set with “hogback” diamonds, an early stone cut dating to around the 16th century, sold for more than $20,000 at a U.K. auction.
CollectionsJun 26, 2026
Strength Is Sharpened Into Beauty in Kris Averi’s ‘Prism Thorn’ RingThe rainbow version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, features angel-cut, octahedral lab-grown sapphires designed to be worn as armor.
MajorsJun 26, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Debuts ‘Charms That Give Back’The new initiative donates a portion of the proceeds from select charms to charitable causes.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
TrendsJun 26, 2026
Bernard James Celebrates Knicks’ Win with RingThe Brooklyn-based jeweler created a limited-edition version of its “Aura” eternity band, set with gemstones in the team’s colors.
Weekly QuizJun 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
ICA Names Brandee Dallow as CEODallow will lead the International Colored Gemstone Association, effective July 6.
EditorsJun 25, 2026
Out & About: How Jewelers Mutual, SCAD Are Tackling the Bench Jeweler ShortageSenior Editor Lenore Fedow headed to Savannah to learn more about the 10-year, $10 million partnership between JM and the art school.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
CollectionsJun 25, 2026
Mejuri Experiments With SteelIts new capsule jewelry collection features gold-finished stainless steel pieces designed for a maximalist look without a luxury price tag.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2026
Watches & Wonders Announces 2027 DatesThe week-long event in Geneva is slated for April 2027.
SourcingJun 25, 2026
Annie Doresca, Mark Smelzer, Sara Yood Join Gem Legacy BoardThe three industry leaders bring financial, communications, and legal expertise to the nonprofit’s board of directors.
ColumnistsJun 24, 2026
The Revenue Hiding Between Your Counter and Your Online CartJewelers are missing out by not offering this one key add-on at the online point of sale, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
CollectionsJun 24, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers, Jewel Boxing’s Latest Drop Is On-TrendThe fourth collaborative collection from the retailer and jewelry content creator focuses on gemstone charms and strands of colorful beads.
Events & AwardsJun 24, 2026
AGTA Accepting Entries for Spectrum 2026This year’s AGTA Spectrum & Cutting Edge Awards will feature two new categories.
SourcingJun 24, 2026
Columbia Gem House To Offer Alexandrite Melee OnlineThe collection features traceable alexandrite from Brazil in calibrated sizes that is sorted by grade.
MajorsJun 24, 2026
CaratLane Names New Chief Sales OfficerDhaval Raja has been appointed to the role.
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
