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Gemological Science International (GSI) President and Co-Founder, Debbie Azar, Appeared on Six Broadcast Interviews for Valentine’s Day 2020

(NEW YORK – February 24, 2020) –  Debbie Azar, President and Co-Founder of Gemological Science International (GSI), was interviewed on six major broadcast outlets where she was invited to speak as an industry expert in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day 2020. Azar was asked to comment on various industry topics including jewelry trends and brands, sustainability, and the importance of GSI certificates so consumers can make informed purchases when buying diamonds and jewelry.

Azar started with a live appearance on WCBS New York’s Sunday morning show on February 9th with Anchors Cindy Hsu and Steve Overmyer. Cindy Hsu stated, “So if you are shopping and say ‘Hey I need that GSI certificate if they don’t have it that’s no good?’” Azar responded, “Any reputable jeweler should be able to provide you with a grading report from a legitimate laboratory-like GSI”.

On Monday, February 10th, Azar appeared live in-studio on Bloomberg Radio’s Bloomberg Markets program with Paul Sweeney and Lisa Abramowicz where the topic of increased consumer interest in sustainability and social responsibility arose. Azar explained, “The diamond industry provides job opportunities to people in some of the most remote regions of the world.” She added, “Botswana is the world’s greatest development success story because of diamonds. The economic stability our industry provides helps to provide basic infrastructure, healthcare, education, and clean water. “

On Wednesday, February 12th, Azar appeared live on the Fox Business Network show Varney & Co. where she and host Stuart Varney, consumer purchasing on Valentines’ Day. Varney asked, “What’s the best diamond to give on Valentines’ Day?”Azar answered, “All diamonds! Valentine’s Day doesn’t just have to be about engagement. Diamonds and jewelry can be used to celebrate milestones and other important events”.  Later that evening, Azar appeared on Fox 5 New York’s 6:00 PM evening news segment “Where’s You Get That’s” with Host Christal Young where Young discussed “Diamonds 101” and showed clips from her visit to GSI laboratory in NYC where she observed a diamond under the microscope and learned the importance of a GSI certificate and all the important work that laboratories like GSI do for the industry. Young also got to see some of the latest trends and brands in the industry that were displayed at GSI’s headquarters including Leo Diamonds and First Light by Leo Schachter, Kleinfeld Fine Jewelry Collection, Vera Wang Love, Rock Solid Diamonds, Forever Ideal Diamonds, Levian, Zales Private Collection, and many others.

Azar went live on air with Bloomberg Businessweek host and Bloomberg TV Bureau Chief Jason Kelly on Thursday, February 13th about transparency, consumer confidence, lab-grown diamonds, and jewelry trends. In light of that morning’s GMA Investigates segment about what consumers need to know when buying a diamond, Azar emphasized the importance of grading reports from legitimate laboratories and buying diamonds and jewelry from reputable jewelry retailers. “Consumer confidence is the heart of our industry. GSI grading reports are important- not just for the consumer but for retailers as well. Some of the largest and most reputable retailers in the world like Zales, Kay Jewelers, Jared, Fred Meyer Jewelers, Helzberg, Reeds, and many others, rely on grading reports from GSI so they know that the diamonds and jewelry they are selling to their customers are accurately represented” said Azar.

On Friday, Valentine’s Day,  Azar was live at Nasdaq’s Marketsite to appear on its signature “TradeTalks” program – where she discussed consumer spending for Valentine’s Day, slated for up to $5.8 billion according to National Retail Federation. In addition to decking out show host Jill Malandrino in some of the latest jewelry trends, they discussed the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the industry. “The diamond industry provides a magnitude of social and economic benefits and sustains local economies and countries where diamonds are mined, polished and jewelry is manufactured”. Azar explained.

Azar said, “It’s important for everyone in the industry to use their platforms to send positive messages about our industry, all the good diamonds do around the world and most importantly our commitment to transparency and consumer confidence throughout the entire global supply chain.”

About Gemological Science International (GSI)

Gemological Science International (GSI) is one of the largest gemological organizations in the world. Founded in 2005 in New York City, it has since grown to have 13 gemological laboratory facilities spanning four continents. Utilizing leading-edge processes and proprietary technologies, GSI provides manufacturers and retailers globally with a wide range of gemstone identification and grading services. The company is committed to advancing gemological research through its Research Center, and it offers gemological educational programs for trade professionals and the general public at all levels.

For more information about GSI, visit www.gemscience.net.

 

About the author

Co-founder & President at Gemological Science International (GSI) | +12122074140 | Website | + posts

Debbie Azar is an experienced executive with extensive knowledge of the jewelry and gem lab industries. Her entrepreneurial skills and clarity of vision have helped GSI achieve rapid and continuous growth worldwide.

She began her industry career by starting her own successful costume jewelry business. She then expanded her knowledge of the industry with sales, marketing and business development roles at several companies. In 2005, she joined Mark Gershburg to establish GSI. Ms. Azar is an active member of myriad industry organizations and charities; she currently serves as a Board Member of Jewelers for Children. She is also a Forbes Business Council member.

Her strengths include working directly with retail chains and stores to help build their business and brands. She is widely known in the industry for her commitment to meeting customer needs.

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FAQ

Where is Gemological Science International (GSI) located?

GSI is headquartered in New York, NY. It has 13 laboratories on four continents and in a number of countries: the United States, India, Dubai, Israel, Belgium, Hong Kong, and Botswana. This makes GSI one of the largest independent gemological organizations in the world.

Is there a difference between grading reports issued by different GSI laboratories?

All GSI laboratories grade using the same methods and adhere to the same standards. Every laboratory is staffed with highly trained professionals who have years of grading experience and an extensive gemological background.

What does it mean when a sales associate tells me my diamond is “GSI Certified” or is accompanied by a “GSI Certificate”?

The phrases “GSI Certificate” and “GSI Certified” are industry shorthand for GSI grading or identification reports. What this means to you is that expert gemologists and trained professionals meticulously evaluated the item. When your diamond, jewelry or gemstone is accompanied by a GSI grading report, you can be completely confident in the accuracy and objectivity of the evaluation.

Where can I find “GSI Certified Diamonds”?

GSI diamond grading and identification reports can be found in jewelry stores worldwide and online. Insist on a GSI grading report when shopping for a diamond, jewelry or gemstone.

What do I do if I lose my GSI Diamond Report?

Every GSI grading report is available on our website. Please visit gemscience.net and go to “verify your report”. Enter your GSI report number and you’ll instantly have access to a digital copy of it. You can also email us through the website to request a copy.

What are the 4Cs

A beautiful diamond is one of nature’s most mesmerizing creations. But how do you objectively judge the quality of the gem? The 4Cs – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight – are the universal standard for doing this.

Is there anything beyond the 4Cs?

The 4Cs are an essential and important description of a diamond’s characteristics. But there is a considerable amount of detailed information behind each “C” along with other qualities of a diamond that affect its beauty, such as fluorescence, light performance and more.

How much do you need to know? That’s up to you, but knowing the 4Cs is almost essential.

What does a GSI diamond grading report look like?

GSI offers a number of grading reports (often referred to as “GSI Certificates”). You can see samples of them by browsing the Grading Reports page on our website.

What does a GSI colored diamond grading report look like?

You can see samples grading reports by browsing the Grading Reports page on our website.

What does a GSI Colored stone report look like?

You can see samples of Colored stones reports by browsing Grading Reports page on our website.

How does a GSI grading report compare to other laboratories that issue grading reports?

It is our policy not to comment on other laboratories. However, know that GSI adheres to the highest ethical standards. We do this in a number of ways:

  • Rotating gemologists to our different labs
  • Continuously upgrading our proprietary grading software to ensure full compliance with international grading standards
  • Having our gemological research department constantly investigate new developments in the industry, which informs the grading process

What’s the difference between a “GSI Certificate” and a “GSI Diamond Grading Report”?

GSI issues a variety of grading and identification reports. Consumers and industry professionals often call these reports “GSI Certificates”.

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