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.
GradingJun 03, 2015
EGL USA owner now issuing GHI grading reports
The owner of EGL USA is now issuing grading reports under the GHI brand name, as the lab continues to work to distance itself from the EGL International brand.
New York--The owner of EGL USA is now issuing grading reports under the GHI brand name, as the lab continues to work to distance itself from the EGL International brand, which has been damaged by accusations of over-grading.
The new GHI Gemological Laboratory is part of Gemology Headquarters International (GHI), a research-only facility EGL USA’s owner opened in Miami in 2007 to keep EGL USA’s research separate from the EGL brand name and allow it to be published internationally, EGL USA and GHI Director Mitch Jakubovic said Thursday.
While the owner of EGL USA has been operating this research facility for eight years, and EGL USA has had a satellite lab in Miami, they have never issued grading reports under the GHI name, until now.
Though EGL USA is not affiliated with EGL International, the issues with the latter being accused of over-grading have come to a head in the past few months, with Martin Rapaport opting to remove all EGL reports from his diamond trading network and EGL eventually killing the “EGL International” name and vowing to clean up its grading practices around the world.
EGL USA executive manager Deborah Jakubovic points out that EGL USA has been waiting for two years for a federal court to rule on its request to prevent any EGL grading reports from coming into the United States from overseas, but that nothing can be done to compel the court to move forward.
GHI gives EGL USA the chance to have something separate and distinct or, as Mitch Jakubovic puts it, a “clean brand name” that affords them the opportunity for international expansion.
GHI Gemological Laboratory will operate in three different locations: New York, Los Angeles and Miami, and though it is under the same ownership as EGL USA, the two companies will operate independently.
Jakubovic said they will continue to issue EGL USA grading reports. “EGL USA--the brand is alive and well,” he said.
GHI will issue loose white and colored diamond reports in both digital and printed bi-fold formats that display the data in a user-friendly, easy-to-read manner, the lab said.
A variety of customized tools also will be released on an ongoing basis to support retail and consumer clients both online and in stores.
While EGL USA was removed from RapNet, Jakubovic said their “intention” is for GHI-graded diamonds, which are grading using EGL USA standards, to
be listed on all major diamond selling platforms. He acknowledged that it was a “big issue” for EGL USA reports to be removed from RapNet.
Martin Rapaport, who has said in the past that EGL USA should get a new name, could not immediately be reached for comment on the matter Thursday.
--Associate Editor Brecken Branstrator contributed to this story.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected to reflect the fact that while EGL USA and GHI Gemological Laboratory have the same owner they are two separate companies.
More on Grading
The Latest
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.
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.
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.
Weekly QuizJan 08, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
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.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
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.”
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: New Year’s EditionSparkle with festive diamond jewelry as we celebrate the beginning of 2026.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
