CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
GradingFeb 07, 2016
GIA invalidates 1,042 reports due to hacking
The Gemological Institute of America has invalidated grading reports for 1,042 diamonds after hackers gained access to its database and altered the reports.
Carlsbad, Calif.--The Gemological Institute of America has invalidated and is recalling grading reports for 1,042 stones after hackers gained access to its database and altered the reports.
According to a notification circulated to the trade on Friday, most of the stones attached to the grading reports in question were submitted to the GIA’s lab in India in July and August. They were graded in full or in part at other GIA labs, including New York and its headquarters in Carlsbad.
At some point between the conclusion of the grading process and the printing of the reports, one or more now-former employees of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) gained “unauthorized remote access” to GIA’s grading information database and altered the color and/clarity grades on the 1,042 reports, GIA said. TCS, an IT firm, is the contractor that supports GIA’s databases worldwide.
These individuals were acting “at the behest of other parties unrelated to GIA or TCS,” said GIA, which discovered the discrepancies via its internal controls and launched an investigation together with TCS.
Though the lab would not release any more specifics about these “other parties,” it noted in the news release circulated Friday that it has suspended the clients who submitted the 1,042 diamonds for grading from further submissions as the investigation continues.
When asked why the clients were suspended, GIA spokesperson Stephen Morisseau said that the lab can suspend clients when it “reasonably suspects” that there’s been some sort of violation of the terms of its client agreement.
Though TCS could not be reached directly for comment late Friday, the GIA said in its statement that the IT company had been open and cooperative throughout the investigation, and Morisseau said the lab will continue its “very long and important” relationship with TCS.
“They’ve worked very closely with us to identify the scope of this unauthorized activity, which was a violation of their internal controls as well,” he said.
The hacking is the latest in a string of incidents made public by the GIA this year, a year in which dealers are struggling in the face of sluggish worldwide demand for diamonds and slim margins.
In May, the GIA recalled hundreds of diamonds and cut off four clients for allegedly submitting stones with an undisclosed--and still not yet fully understood--treatment that improves their color by as much as four grades.
In August, the GIA cut off another client
for submitting diamonds with false inscriptions. Also, late last year, the lab suspended its sealing service indefinitely after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the grading report number packaged with it.
A police investigation into this latest incident is ongoing in India. In the meantime, the GIA is not releasing the names of either the suspects or the clients whose accounts have been suspended.
An Excel file listing all the reports that were altered can be downloaded here on the GIA website. The GIA “strongly requests” that anyone in possession of any of these diamonds or grading reports return them to the GIA immediately for examination.
Editor’s note: The headline of this story has been updated to reflect the fact that the GIA is invalidating a total of 1,042 grading reports, not thousands as previously stated.
More on Grading
The Latest
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
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.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
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.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
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.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
