MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
GradingAug 03, 2015
GIA bans client for alleged false inscriptions
The Gemological Institute of America is no longer grading stones from one Indian company after that company allegedly submitted multiple diamonds inscribed with report numbers for other stones.
New York--The Gemological Institute of America has cut off a client in India for allegedly submitting diamonds that had been fraudulently inscribed, a letter shared with National Jeweler reveals.
Addressed to Ramesh B. Vala of Surat, India-based Cristy Gems and signed by the GIA’s Tom Moses, the letter states that GIA “reasonably suspects” that Cristy has submitted multiple stones to the lab inscribed with report numbers for other diamonds. The inscriptions were not done by the GIA.
The letter goes on to state that these submissions have “occurred on a number of occasions, indicating a pattern of intentional conduct.” As a result, the GIA stated in the letter that it is closing Cristy Gems’ account, along with four other accounts with which it believes Cristy is associated, and will no longer be accepting any items from the company. Vala, his company and related companies also are barred from opening new accounts with the GIA.
A request for comment sent via email to the letter’s recipient went unanswered.
The GIA verified Monday that the letter to Cristy Gems did indeed come from them but declined to provide any further details on the case.
According to the letter, two of the accounts submitted their stones to the GIA via Rapaport India, a lab direct business that prepares goods and does take-in, marketing and collects payment for the GIA in India.
Ezi Rapaport said Tuesday that Rapaport India will, of course, no longer be accepting stones from these companies for submission to the GIA and that the companies also have been suspended indefinitely from RapNet, the Rapaport Group’s diamond trading network.
This report of alleged misconduct is the latest in a line regarding fraudulent submissions that are being caught by the industry’s grading labs.
Back in November, the GIA announced that it was suspending its sealing service indefinitely after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the grading report packaged with it. GIA spokesman Stephen Morriseau said Monday that the sealing service remains suspended.
The GIA also announced at that time that it would no longer issue duplicate grading reports after receiving some diamonds with duplicate reports that did not match the stone.
This past spring, the GIA cut off four clients linked to hundreds of stones submitted with a mysterious color treatment that improves their color by as much as three grades but fades over time.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
The GIA is still investigating this treatment.
Diamonds that underwent what is believed to be the same color treatment also surfaced at the International Gemological Institute’s lab in Antwerp.
IGI CEO Roland Lorie said what is known about the treatment at this time is that it is a simple coating that dissolves immediately when the diamond is thoroughly cleaned with alcohol or boiled. Even if neither of these happen the treatment still most likely will fade over time, though the lab does not yet know exactly how long organic fading takes.
What makes it difficult to make determinations about this mystery coating is the fact that by the time the lab suspects something has been done to the stone, “it’s usually too late” to make any determination about what exactly it was, Lorie added.
More on Grading
The Latest
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
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.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
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.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
