In the first of two reports published in the Fall issue of Gems & Gemology, the GIA’s quarterly journal, it was revealed that four diamonds with fake inscriptions were uncovered during an examination in Dubai.
Upon first review of the diamonds, experts noticed inconsistent font styles and the placement of the GIA inscriptions, indicating that they were not authentic. The report explained that there were subtle differences in colour grades, measurements and other characteristics.
Two of the diamonds were determined to be natural stones; however, they had undergone HPHT treatment to improve colour. Two other diamonds were found to be lab-created diamonds posing as natural, including bearing a fraudulent inscription number.
“Considering all evidence, we concluded that two of the four stones were laboratory-grown diamonds, and the other two were HPHT-processed natural diamonds,” the GIA explained.
“All four diamonds were not the same natural diamonds as described in their accompanying GIA grading reports. In accordance with GIA procedures, the counterfeit inscriptions were crossed out, and new report numbers were assigned.
“These cases highlight the importance of verifying inscription authenticity because a fraudulent inscription could be overlooked by simple visual examination.”
Newly appointed GIA president Pritesh Patel recently spoke with JCK Online about the importance of technological innovation at the GIA.
“Innovation has always been part of GIA. In the past few years, GIA has seen incredible growth of instrumentation in its laboratories, throughout the industry, and in software,” he explained.
“Since 2017, we have worked on a project with IBM to build an AI-based grading system, which is now running in all our labs. We use AI today in diamond grading and in coloured stone origin determination. I do see us continually focused on innovation, especially using generative AI, in terms of our client experience and getting more education to the consumer.”
He added: “GIA has an incredible history. Areas that we’ll focus on will be more acceleration in innovation, more agility, bringing more services and education for the industry, for the students, and clients. We will look toward new areas to diversify. We just got into jewellery reports. We will be continually looking at how we expand our services while staying true to our mission of consumer protection.”
• In an additional report, the GIA detailed a green gemstone that appeared to be an emerald; however, it was later discovered to be quartz. The GIA examined the deep-green gemstone, which is set in a necklace, at its New York facilities.
A thorough inspection revealed that the gemstone consisted of a three-part, colourless natural quartz, surrounded by a green cement and a clearly defined interface.
“The examination under the microscope found natural fluid inclusions, concluding the centre was a natural rock crystal quartz. Gemstones combined with two or more materials have been used to imitate natural gemstones for many years,” explains Suzanne Watkin for Rapaport News.
“The soudé emerald is one of the most commonly seen assembled emerald imitations, which began mass manufacture in the early 20th century. Over the years, its construction transitioned from rock crystal to colourless synthetic spinel, and eventually to colourless beryl or pale aquamarine.”
The GIA recently confirmed changes to its lab-created diamond certification program, and Patel said that the industry has welcomed these changes amid calls for differentiation.
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Searching for distinction: HRD turns away from lab-created diamonds