THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JAIPUR, JANUARY 29, 2026

Reinforcing its commitment to India’s gems and jewellery ecosystem, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) on Thursday inaugurated its second laboratory in Jaipur, equipped with advanced coloured gemstone analysis technology. The expansion marks a significant milestone for the global authority in diamond, coloured gemstone and jewellery certification, further strengthening its presence in North India and aligning closely with the region’s vibrant trade network.

Jaipur’s centuries-old legacy as a global hub for coloured gemstone trading, uncut Polki and fine jewellery craftsmanship makes it a natural choice for IGI’s expansion. The new laboratory, located in Sitapura — Jaipur’s dedicated gems and jewellery manufacturing hub—positions IGI closer to manufacturers, exporters and artisans, enabling faster grading turnaround times, improved operational efficiency and enhanced service delivery. The strategic proximity underlines IGI’s focus on transparency, consumer confidence and seamless engagement with the trade.

Inaugurating the facility, Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer of IGI, said the institute had anticipated the global shift in consumer preferences towards coloured gemstones well in advance. He noted that rising demand is being fuelled by interest in unique fusion designs, personalised jewellery and a growing appreciation for the rarity and beauty of coloured stones. He added that origin determination and treatment detection in coloured gemstones are highly specialised processes that require sophisticated analytical tools and deep gemological expertise, both of which the Jaipur laboratory is designed to deliver at scale.

The new facility will offer IGI’s comprehensive range of certification services for diamonds, coloured gemstones and jewellery, strengthening transparency and consumer protection across markets. Leveraging advanced technologies such as Raman spectrometry, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, IGI will analyse gemstones’ internal structures, compositions and inclusions to trace their geological histories with precision and accuracy.

Beyond certification, the Sitapura centre will also serve as a knowledge hub for the region. Through the IGI School of Gemology, the institute will offer globally recognised certification and gemology training programmes aimed at empowering the trade with contemporary, industry-relevant skills and expertise. The initiative is expected to support regional skill development and nurture the next generation of gemological professionals.

With the inauguration of its second Jaipur laboratory, IGI now operates 35 laboratories across 10 countries worldwide, alongside 21 Schools of Gemology, underscoring its growing global footprint and enduring commitment to trust, education and excellence in the gems and jewellery industry.