With heightened interest in coloured gemstones across markets, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is advancing its reports and services to better serve both the trade and the public.

GIA recently updated its coloured stone identification and origin reports, unveiling refined versions on January 1, 2026. According to Cecilia Fong, senior director, APAC Market Development & Strategy at GIA, the new reports underscore the most important gemmological details.

“Their new format includes a brief description of selected gemstones and their characteristics to enhance the storytelling of each stone and provide a more comprehensive report,” explained Fong.

The institute also added fresh origin services for opal, peridot and demantoid garnet – updating its existing origin services for alexandrite, emerald, Paraíba tourmaline, red spinel, ruby and sapphire. 

GIA is likewise introducing a country-of-origin determination service for untreated jadeite jade and omphacite jade from Myanmar (formerly Burma) or Guatemala. 

This builds on the 2023 launch of the GIA Jade Report, which now includes a section listing the type of jade and, if applicable, a “Fei Cui” distinction.

Growth strategies 

In 2026, GIA is focusing on stepping up innovation strategies in its laboratories and the seven GIA Schools of Gemology and Jewellery Arts alongside its corporate support functions. 

“This is how we will drive progress and maintain our position in a rapidly changing global industry,” remarked Fong. “These efforts will build on our progress in research, instrument development, laboratory services and our industry-leading education programmes.”

GIA's on-site intake service hours at the ongoing Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show are from 10:30am to 5:30pm on March 2, 10am to 5:30pm from March 3 to 5, and 10am to 3:30pm on March 6.