The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has received some negative industry feedback over the recent decision to issue digital grading reports instead of paper certification.
In June of 2022 the GIA confirmed a commitment to move towards a ‘paperless’ operation and detailed plans to issue only digital grading reports, bringing an end to a 50-year practice of providing paper documentation.
The digital reports are available of 0.15 to 1.99-carat diamonds, from D-Z in colour.
According to reporting from Rapaport News, GIA customers who pursue a certificate receive the diamond back in an envelope that shows the key specifications and a unique QR code that links to the digital report.
Although the girdle gets inscribed, others could easily copy the code and ‘associate it’ with a different diamond, according to concerned traders. Suppliers are also reportedly dealing with unhappy customers who are accustomed to paper certificates.
A GIA spokesperson addressed these complaints and said: “ [The GIA] has heard from clients — manufacturers, brokers, dealers, and retailers — about their concerns regarding the digital GIA diamond dossier reports and how integrating the digital reports into their processes could disrupt their businesses.”
“We appreciate the constructive feedback and are considering how we can best address their concerns within the context of our mission to protect consumers and ensure their trust in gemstones and jewellery.”
According to the report, India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council and the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai have raised the issue with the GIA, as has the World Federation of Diamond Bourses.
The first digital dossier report was issued at the GIA laboratory in Israel in early January. More than 33 million printed reports have been produced since the introduction of the GIA service in 1998.
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