The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) branched out from loose stones into finished jewelry two years ago, a significant development for the grading laboratory. The reasons for this move and how jewelry grading works were the topic of Rapaport’s latest GemTalks episode with special guest Rebecca Boyajian, the GIA’s senior director of jewelry services development.
The GIA Jewelry Report, which launched in 2024, is available as a trifold paper report, similar to regular diamond reports, and as a card the size of a credit card. The GIA examines every stone without removing it from the mounting, and records metal content, weight and brand markings. She stressed that the report is not an appraisal, but said it gives appraisers trusted data to work from.
The GIA was responding to the strong growth of the global jewelry market as well as expectations for a “great wealth transfer,” in which older generations will pass assets, including large amounts of fine jewelry, to their younger heirs, Boyajian said.
“All of these individuals that will be receiving this fine jewelry…may not know what they’re receiving,” Boyajian said in conversation with Joshua Freedman, senior analyst at Rapaport. “We are very focused on ensuring that GIA has the services in place that will help support the trade and the consumer with this…anticipated huge influx of jewelry, not only hitting in the primary market potentially, but also specifically to the secondary market.”
Boyajian also explained who’s submitting pieces for these reports, what items are eligible, how much the reports cost, and what happens if the GIA finds a lab-grown diamond in a jewel. During the session, which broadcast as a LinkedIn Live, Boyajian also answered audience questions.
Watch the full episode here:
This episode of Rapaport GemTalks is brought to you by GIA – the Gemological Institute of America – ensuring confidence in gems and jewelry since 1931 through research, knowledge and innovation. For decades, GIA has been the global leader in diamond and gemstone grading. GIA Jewelry Services brings the same trust, technology and approach to finished pieces of jewelry.
