
GSI offering cutting edge technology with Quality customer service for the Diamond Sector
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Nearly a decade ago, GSI began to develop a ground-breaking diamond screening service by using cutting-edge technology for synthetic diamond detection which is now available in India.
Founded in 2005 in New York City, GSI provides reliable gemstone identification and grading services, is engaged in gemological research, and also offers a variety of educational programs to help prepare the new generation of professional graders.
GSI brought together a variety of tools, techniques, and instruments for different examinations, from experimental tools to industry approved ones, such as Diamond View and Diamond Sure (which was recently tested by the world’s expert testing organization UL and recognized as the most reliable instrument for synthetic testing and screening).
They were the first grading lab in the world to begin testing of smaller size diamonds in bulk and since then GSI has never looked back.
Diamonds are graded using the 4C’s (a grading system to determine quality). The 4 C’s are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat.
Cut
There are three factors that determine a diamond’s cut quality:
Proportions: the relative sizes and angles of the diamond’s parts and facets
Symmetry: the precision of the cut design, especially the facets
Polish: the smoothness and luster of the diamond’s surface
Carat
A diamond’s weight is measured in carats. Diamond prices increase with carat weight because larger diamonds are less common and more desirable.
Color
The color evaluation of gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of color. It’s important to remember that you are generally searching for a stone with little to no color.
Clarity
It is very common for diamonds to be formed with slight imperfections. Clarity is a measure of the tiny imperfections found in almost every diamond. The clarity grade of a diamond affects the value and price.
GSI issues grading reports for the treatments of diamonds that are not reversible and are permanent. GSI services also include QR code and laser inscription on girdle.
GSI has always maintained International Standards for synthetic diamond detection by grading the 4’c. They also utilize other instruments such as FTIR spectrometes, Raman spectrometer, UV-VIS spectrometer, etc.
Having developed its technology for grading systems in 21st Century, GSI has been able to incorporate the very latest and best in technology with Experts in their Research & Development team. At GSI, the application of technology starts at the very beginning of the diamond grading process.
GSI’s Diamond detection services include
- Diamond jewelry random origin testing
- Diamond jewelry comprehensive origin testing
- Diamond jewelry screening
- Loose diamond origin testing
- Loose diamond screening
- Melee/ Star batch origin testing
- Melee/ Star batch screening
- Diamond jewelry treatment testing
- On-site diamond origin screening
- On-site diamond jewelry screening
One of the major concerns that jewelry retailers have is the issue of the safety of their jewelry and cumbersome logistics while moving it out of their showroom for certification. There is also an additional concern of non-availability of goods in their showroom for the duration of certification. The answer to these concerns is GSI’s “Unique Mobile Diamond Grading Lab”, in which the GSI team of trained graders will visit the client’s premises and grade their jewelry onsite.
“With our strong research and development staff and our efficient services, we aim to provide complete satisfaction to our end customers and diamantaires. Our dedicated team of professionals combined with the cutting-edge technology differentiates GSI from other research desks” says Ms. Seema Athavale who is a Chief Gemologist with GSI specializing in Spectroscopy.
GSI has experimented with various advanced instruments and has settled on Bruker FTIR spectrophotometer with microplate accessory (FTIR High Throughput Screening Extension) TENSOR II. In the second stage, GSI runs tests with different plates, patterns, and positioning amongst a number of other experiments.
Spectroscopy plays a very important role in gemology. From basic spectroscope to advanced spectroscopic instruments such as Raman spectrometer, FTIR, UV-VIS-IR spectrometer, Fluorimeter, LIBS these are essential pieces of gemological equipment. FTIR or Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer—The uniqueness of FTIR is in its ability to simultaneously collect high spectral resolution data over a wide spectral range
FTIR has some broad applications in gemology, such as:
- Identification of types of diamonds
- Identification of synthetic diamonds, quartz, and emeralds
- Identification of heat treatment in corundum
- Identification of fracture filling in corundum
- Identification of Resin filling in emerald
While the use of conventional FTIR technology for analysis of gemstones is not new in gemology, the application for this particular purpose is new. While anybody can acquire the instrument, it is the methods of use and result interpretation that make the real difference.
After a series of tests and experiments, GSI research department finally came up with a proprietary technique for identification of origin in smaller size diamonds. The methods of testing that were developed made significant differences in securing the natural diamonds pipeline. The constant race between development of new products and new treatments and ways to detect them to ensure the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of people employed in our industry. It is extremely important for responsible gemological laboratories to make extraordinary efforts to help the industry to deal with the threats posed by undisclosed synthetic diamonds.
GSI started its Indian unit in Surat and became operational in August 2015 with a goal to help the local industry deal with the undeclared manmade melees and stars diamonds and other services.
With innovative technology and strong research and development team, GSI aims to provide the customer with accurate and consistent service which gives an additional layer of confidence to customers with the right grading report.
GSI’s grading service and melee testing service, is breaking new ground in providing top quality, innovative, competitively priced, and highly reliable diamond services.
Find out more about GSI’s services at the Diamond Detection Expo & Symposium, Surat.
For more information, contact Priti Dubey, Corporate Communications Manager at priti.dubey@gemscience.net.
About the author
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.