The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is now testing polished diamonds submitted by major diamond manufacturers using its latest initiative – the GIA® Source Verification Service.

According to the lab, companies started bringing in diamonds for verification in early July, with the GIA-graded diamonds with verified source country information to be made available as the first submissions are returned and more manufacturers join the programme.

Diamond manufacturers are vetted by an independent auditing firm to measure their diamond-tracking capabilities before they can participate in the service. Only polished natural diamonds with verified source documentation, including Kimberley Process certificates and invoices, from vetted manufacturers are currently eligible. 

GIA is also aiming to expand the service to include laboratory-grown diamonds.

“GIA’s new service provides diamond source information to consumers as quickly as possible,” said GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques. “Backed by our commitment to consumer protection, the GIA® Source Verification Service is ready to provide verified diamond source information to address increasing consumer demand and government interest in transparency and traceability across the diamond supply chain.”