This article first appeared in the JGW 2025 Show Daily by JNA, September 17 edition.

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is presenting an emerald showcase for the first time at Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) 2025 alongside a detailed introduction to its enhanced emerald report.

The Emerald Experience Corner: A Closer Look at Emeralds – From Mine to Inclusions is a main attraction at GIA’s booth in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This immersive experience is aimed at guiding visitors through the emerald’s journey from its formation deep within the earth to its transformation into a polished gemstone. In addition, visitors can closely examine emerald inclusions using GIA’s latest innovative instrument, the Gemolite® NXT Photomicroscope.

Recent submission patterns at GIA reflected a growing demand for more specific emerald information, driven by both knowledgeable traders and discerning consumers. In response, GIA reintroduced filler identification in its emerald reports in December 2024.

According to GIA, this strategic move was sparked by major US and European brands increasingly requesting for precise and up-to-date gemmological analysis.

“Clients continue to show strong interest in an emerald’s country of origin, often opting for Colombia or Zambia, while an increased number of customers seek detailed information about treatments before making a purchase,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer.

In addition to identifying a gem as an emerald and assessing the degree of filler in it, clients may now request the new filler identification service at no extra cost. This advanced reporting goes beyond mere identification or origin, giving retailers and collectors the necessary information to evaluate the gem’s beauty, value and durability.

“While the Institute did significant research on fillers and offered the identification of fillers in emeralds more than 20 years ago, we changed the service to focus on identifying the degree of filler,” said Moses. “This was in part due to the recognition that fillers can be removed, changed and mixed.”

The interest in filler identification stemmed from both jewellers and emerald dealers who prefer natural fillers such as oils or resins over artificial resins or hardened polymers, according to Moses.

Click here to view the JGW 2025 Show Daily by JNA.