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
CrimeFeb 02, 2026
Ylang 23’s Dallas Store BurglarizedThe Texas jeweler said its team is “incredibly resilient” and thanked its community for showing support.
EditorsFeb 02, 2026
Stars Choose Chokers, Elongated Earrings at 2026 GrammysFrom cool-toned metal to ring stacks, Associate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights the jewelry trends she spotted at the Grammy Awards.
CollectionsFeb 02, 2026
2026 Winter Olympic Medal Design Symbolizes UnityThe medals feature a split-texture design highlighting the fact that the 2026 Olympics are taking place in two different cities.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
SourcingJan 29, 2026
Stuller Website to Mark AGTA-Sourced GemstonesAny gemstones on Stuller.com that were sourced by an AGTA vendor member will now bear the association’s logo.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
SourcingJan 28, 2026
Ethical Gem Fair to Debut Designer Showcase in TucsonThe new addition will feature finished jewelry created using “consciously sourced” gemstones.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
