SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
SourcingAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
