THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW YORK /
MUMBAI, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
The International Gemological
Institute (IGI), one of the world’s largest and most trusted independent
diamond grading and certification organisations, has announced the acquisition
of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a global leader in coloured gemstone
analysis and provenance reporting. The strategic move marks a significant
milestone for the global gem and jewellery industry, bringing together IGI’s
unmatched scale and infrastructure with AGL’s deep scientific expertise in
coloured gemstones.
The acquisition creates a unified
global certification platform designed to deliver enhanced trust, transparency
and innovation across the gemstone value chain. While leveraging IGI’s
extensive global reach, AGL will continue to operate independently under its
respected brand from its New York headquarters, preserving the scientific
integrity and independence that have defined both institutions for decades.
Calling the acquisition
transformational, Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive
Officer of IGI, said, “By combining AGL’s scientific leadership in coloured
gemstones with IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-ready
certification ecosystem that delivers scale without compromising integrity or
science. Together, we are setting a new global benchmark for trust,
transparency and consistency in gemstone certification.”
As part of the transaction, Chris
Smith will continue as President and Chief Gemologist of AGL, ensuring
leadership continuity and technical excellence. No immediate operational
changes are planned, and both organisations will continue to deliver existing
technical standards and client service levels, while collaborating on new
reporting formats, provenance services and advanced tools tailored for global
markets.
Founded in 1977, AGL pioneered
country-of-origin reporting for coloured gemstones in the United States and
today serves leading luxury brands, high-profile auction houses, manufacturers,
retailers and private collectors worldwide. The acquisition also enables IGI to
deepen its education and training programmes in coloured gemstones by
integrating AGL’s specialised research and teaching methodologies.
Christopher Smith described the deal
as a pivotal opportunity for AGL, noting, “With the support of Blackstone and
the international reach of IGI facilities, AGL will be improving and expanding
standards of integrity, service and products on a global scale across the
coloured stone and jewellery sectors.”
Backed by Blackstone’s long-term
investment philosophy, IGI plans to apply a disciplined growth strategy to
support AGL’s continued scientific leadership and global expansion. The
transaction also strengthens strategic linkages between the United States, the
world’s largest fine jewellery market, and India, a global hub for gemstone
sourcing, manufacturing and certification, positioning the combined entity to
meet rising global demand for provenance, transparency and consistency.
