The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has resumed operations of its laboratories in Antwerp, Carlsbad, Gaborone, Johannesburg and Tokyo as governments gradually ease Covid-19 restrictions.

Clients may visit GIA’s Johannesburg and Antwerp laboratories by appointment while the Tokyo location accepts and returns items by transport only. The laboratory in Carlsbad only accepts submissions via shipment. 

GIA Bangkok, Hong Kong and Ramat Gan laboratories remain open. All GIA locations abide by local government mandates and follow best practices to maintain health and safety, noted the institute. The company earlier suspended operations at some of its facilities as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.

“Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of all staff, clients and visitors,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president, and chief research and laboratory officer. “As we work to meet our clients’ needs whenever and wherever possible, we are planning for the safe opening of all other GIA locations as soon as conditions and government authorities permit.”