Diamonds in India are considered to be as part of our culture and civilization. From time immemorial diamonds were primarily associated with India. Till 1875 it was assumed that diamonds were only found in India. India has the biggest workforce cutting and polishing of diamonds. Over 10,00,000 artisans are engaged in cutting and polishing of diamonds in India . The sizes ranging from 0.005 cts to 0.20 cts are the specialization of Indian artisans. No doubt in recent times India also entered in to the manufacturing of large size diamonds as well. The exports of diamonds from the country is to the tune of US$ 6 billions as against the world imports of US$ 11 billion in the year 2000. Such an important and massive industry in India needs a proper certification facility.

Keeping this need of the industry in mind, GII has started Diamond Grading and certification as per International Standards. Institute has opted for CIBJO Standards ( International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones) as gem identification laboratory of the GII is already officially recognized by the CIBJO.

Diamond certificate issued by the institute is of International standards as GII follows the same methods using CIBJO master diamonds for comparison standards GII is also equipped with the most sophisticated instruments that are used by International Laboratories in the World. Considering the growing importance of International certification standards based on grading for clarity, colour and cut proportions, the GII decided to set up the diamond grading and certification laboratory as per CIBJO Standards.

International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls and Stones Organisation is an appex body of the Jewelry industry established in Europe. At present the secretariate of CIBJO is in New York. CIBJO comprises all the sectors of the industry. It has established a code and nomenclature for the gemstone and Jewelry Industry. CIBJO Diamond Grading standards are internationally accepted system of grading based on its established rules.

CIBJO accords recognition to a competant impartial and independent trade laboratory in each country. Gem Testing Laboratory of Gemmological Institute of India is recognized by CIBJO. With the CIBJO recognzation the laboratory is considered to be at par with Laboratories of world repute. Unlike the private laboratories, the CIBJO registered laboratory has to follow the rules and regulations laid down by the CIBJO for issue of certificates. The certificates are accepted all over the world.

Each and every Diamond is certified after a thorough analysis and study by 3 diamond graders. Each diamond undergoes rigorous and meticulous study and analysis by the experienced ,highly qualified and internationally trained diamond graders and their opinion is compiled and codified to decide final grading of a diamond .

It is a non profit service rendered by the GII for the benefit of the Gem Trade and Industry. For clarity, the inclusions are plotted on the diagrams in the certificate. The laboratory is supported by Gem & Jewelery Exporters Association.

Colour grading is carried out by comparing the original master set of diamonds obtained from Gemmological Association of Great Britain, London duly certified by SSEF Laboratory in Switzerland as Master Diamonds.

Each diamond is manually compared with Master Diamonds by three separate graders individually. Computerised colorimeter is also used as a fourth opinion.