ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
GradingSep 17, 2014
RapNet’s EGL decision ignites flurry of reactions
EGL International is the latest in a string of grading labs and diamond trading platforms to issue a statement on RapNet’s decision to stop listing all EGL-graded stones. Here’s what the lab had to say.
New York--It’s an issue that has been a topic of discussion in the industry for years but seems to have reached a boiling-over point, heated by the string of lawsuits filed against a Tennessee jeweler over EGL International reports and, more recently, a decision by Rapaport.
RapNet, the diamond trading network operated by Rapaport Group, announced last week that effective Oct. 1, diamonds with grading reports from all European Gemological Laboratories, including EGL USA, will no longer be listed on RapNet.
The move resulted in reactions from a couple of labs with the initials EGL.
While a number of labs share the acronym EGL, they actually are not all the same, a fact which the Rapaport Group acknowledged in making its decision, stating, “While some EGL grading reports are more consistent with GIA grading standards than others, there is, in our opinion, confusion and inconsistency among the various EGL grading reports; RapNet has therefore decided not to list any EGL grading reports on RapNet.”
EGL International, the lab most commonly accused of over-grading, is headquartered in Israel. Managing Partner and CEO Guy D. Benhamou said in a statement issued Thursday that there is no international “standard” for diamond grading and that all grading is subjective, a statement the lab has made previously.
“In general, gemological laboratories that issue diamond grading reports will consistently state that the results of diamond grading are, to a certain extent subjective,” Benhamou said.
The statement did not directly address trade allegations of over-grading but went on to state that “EGL International’s laboratory staff is composed of graduate gemologists with international recognition. They work with state-of-the-art technology, enabling them to detect and disclose synthetic (laboratory-grown) diamonds, as well as a variety of advanced treatments to enhance color or clarity (e.g., HPHT).”
EGL USA has its headquarters in New York, a lab in Los Angeles and affiliate labs in Toronto and Vancouver, British Columbia.
In a statement issued Tuesday, EGL USA pointed out that it is “in no way affiliated” with any EGL-named laboratories outside of North America, and in 2003 sued the EGL labs outside of North America for trademark infringement and false advertising. That case is still pending.
EGL USA said it was not accurate of Rapaport to associate it with allegations of over-grading and misrepresentation of diamond quality.
“Simply put, the delisting of EGL USA penalizes us for our name
alone. And while that is a great disservice to EGL USA, it is an even greater disservice to our customers and the industry-at-large,” EGL USA said, adding that it would announce updated trading platform plans “shortly.”
Alan Lowe, managing director of EGL South Africa, said his lab, which is based in Johannesburg and has an office in Cape Town as well, shouldn’t be “grouped with some of the other EGL laboratories around the world when it comes to ethics or grading policy.”
“The company operates independently from any other EGL laboratory globally and grades diamonds according to acceptable international grading standards,” he said.
RapNet’s decision to stop listing all EGL-graded diamonds also sparked reactions from competing trading platforms.
Polygon announced that effective Wednesday morning, it no longer would list diamonds from any EGL International lab but would continue carrying those diamonds with reports from EGL USA.
Polygon’s Senior Director of Sales and Operations Lindsay Watkin said the decision to swiftly stop listing EGL International-graded diamonds came in reaction to concerns in the trade about discrepancies between EGL International-graded diamonds and those graded by the Gemological Institute of America. “Our job is to support and reflect what’s going on in the industry,” she said, adding that reaction from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
GemFind and IDEX, however, said they will continue to list all EGL stones, including EGL International.
A story posted Monday by IDEX Online stated that as long as there is no legal restriction, the diamond trading platform will continue to list all EGL-certified diamonds. (The homepage of NationalJeweler.com contains an IDEX Onsite, a separate domain featuring diamonds from the IDEX Online database.)
Newport Beach, Calif.-based GemFind said, “GemFind has chosen to remain unbiased and allow all companies to compete within the GemFind network and leave the decision of what to buy--or sell-- up to the jewelry retailers and diamond suppliers.”
Editor's note: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the IDEX Online link on National Jeweler's homepage is an IDEX Onsite. The IDEX diamond trading platform is on www.idexonline.com.
More on Grading
The Latest
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
CrimeJan 13, 2026
Alleged Getaway Driver Charged in Florida Jewelry Store RobberyIvel Sanchez Rivera, 52, has been arrested and charged in connection with the armed robbery of Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral, Florida.
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.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Gracie Abrams To Front New Chanel Jewelry CampaignThe singer-songwriter will make her debut as the French luxury brand’s new ambassador in a campaign for its “Coco Crush” jewelry line.
MajorsJan 08, 2026
Diamond Council of America Names New Board DirectorsThe nonprofit’s new president and CEO, Annie Doresca, also began her role this month.
ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
TrendsJan 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Go for GarnetJanuary’s birthstone comes in a rainbow of colors, from the traditional red to orange, purple, and green.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
