Policies & IssuesMay 12, 2021
WJA Launches Responsible Sourcing, Sustainability Education FundGradingJun 08, 2021
International Gemological Institute Sets Out to Become Carbon Neutral
The U.S. division is beginning the process of assessing, then combatting, its impact.
By 2022, International Gemological Institute’s New York facility hopes to achieve carbon neutral status.
New York—The International Gemological Institute’s United States division is aiming to become carbon neutral.
IGI said once it achieves carbon-neutral status it will be the first gemological laboratory to do so.
“Our environment is an interdependent system where everyone has a role to play, and I am proud of the institute for stepping up and enacting real change,” IGI North America President Ari Levy said.
“While we are pioneering the practice in our sector, we look forward to others joining us in our environmental stewardship.”
The first step in becoming carbon neutral is for the lab to assess its impact.
IGI has enlisted SCS Global Services to evaluate the New York lab’s greenhouse gas emissions in the last year, from May 2020 to June 2021. Then, IGI will purchase the necessary amount of carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental burden.
SCS, an auditing and certification partner aiding businesses in lessening climate impact, will then assess IGI’s carbon neutral program, with carbon neutral certification possible by 2022.
IGI plans to renew its program annually.
“For six months, IGI New York will be closely engaged with SCS to learn about our operations and how to effectively become a green location,” Levy said. “Securing carbon offsets reinvests in the future of our community and our planet.”
Related stories will be right here …
IGI said once it achieves carbon-neutral status it will be the first gemological laboratory to do so.
“Our environment is an interdependent system where everyone has a role to play, and I am proud of the institute for stepping up and enacting real change,” IGI North America President Ari Levy said.
“While we are pioneering the practice in our sector, we look forward to others joining us in our environmental stewardship.”
The first step in becoming carbon neutral is for the lab to assess its impact.
IGI has enlisted SCS Global Services to evaluate the New York lab’s greenhouse gas emissions in the last year, from May 2020 to June 2021. Then, IGI will purchase the necessary amount of carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental burden.
SCS, an auditing and certification partner aiding businesses in lessening climate impact, will then assess IGI’s carbon neutral program, with carbon neutral certification possible by 2022.
IGI plans to renew its program annually.
“For six months, IGI New York will be closely engaged with SCS to learn about our operations and how to effectively become a green location,” Levy said. “Securing carbon offsets reinvests in the future of our community and our planet.”
More on Grading
The Latest
CollectionsJun 30, 2025
State Property’s New Jewelry Tells ‘The Story of Everything’Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.
ColumnistsJun 30, 2025
The Smart Lab: Why Q3 Is the Secret Weapon For Holiday Jewelry SalesThe best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
Events & AwardsJun 30, 2025
AGA Names Recipient of 2025 Gemological Education ScholarshipThis year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
IndependentsJun 30, 2025
Melanie Grant’s New Book Explores 200 Years of Jewelry“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.
Weekly QuizJun 26, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyJun 27, 2025
Gemist Raises $6M in Funding to Scale Jewelry Tech PlatformThe company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.
IndependentsJun 27, 2025
David Webb Announces New Hires, PromotionsFollowing its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America is Headed to Las Vegas for JCK 2025The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.
Events & AwardsJun 27, 2025
AGS, GIA Announce Beatrice Shipley Scholarship Winner AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
CollectionsJun 27, 2025
Piece of the Week: Buddha Mama’s ‘Monstera’ Wrap RingThe 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.
MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesRocksbox President Allison Vigil shared the retailer’s expansion plans, and her thoughts on opening stores in malls.
IndependentsJun 26, 2025
Penny Ruston Dies at 80 The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.
SurveysJun 26, 2025
After Recovering in May, Consumer Confidence Dips in June The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.
CollectionsJun 26, 2025
Jam Out With Sorellina’s Jimi Hendrix-Inspired JewelsThe “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 26, 2025
The Jewelry Symposium Is Looking for Speakers for 2026 EventThe event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.
IndependentsJun 25, 2025
Marissa Collections Opens in Nantucket as Legal Fight ContinuesThe Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.
CrimeJun 25, 2025
Customs Nabs Another Big Shipment of Fake Cartier, Van Cleef JewelryAgents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.
CollectionsJun 25, 2025
Splash into Karina Choudhrie’s Collection of Underwater Circus PerformersThe designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.
Events & AwardsJun 25, 2025
JA Announces Impact Initiative Fund RecipientsThe trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.
SourcingJun 25, 2025
2025 AGTA Spectrum Awards Open for EntriesThe organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.
EditorsJun 24, 2025
The Best New Jewelry from Couture 2025, Part 2Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.
IndependentsJun 24, 2025
Colorado Bench Jeweler Celebrates 50 Years With Local RetailerLori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.
WatchesJun 24, 2025
Citizen’s New ‘Fantastic Four’ Watch Is Literally Super The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.
MajorsJun 24, 2025
Tacori, QVC to Launch Exclusive Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry CollectionThe “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.
Recorded WebinarsJun 23, 2025
Watch: Top Trends at Couture, JCK Las Vegas 2025National Jeweler and Jewelers of America discuss the standout jewelry trends and biggest news to emerge from the shows this year.
SourcingJun 23, 2025
Diamond Producers, Organizations to Kick in Money to Promote Natural DiamondsSignatories to the “Luanda Accord” committed to allocating 1 percent of annual diamond revenue to the Natural Diamond Council.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2025
Jose Hess Design Awards Celebrate 6 Jewelry DesignersThe winning designs captured the “Radiance” theme.
