IIDGR In New Grading Partnership With Leading Japanese Bridal Jewelry Retailer

(IDEX Online) – De Beers' International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) is partnering with what it says is one of Japan’s leading bridal jewelry retailers, I-PRIMO, to provide polished diamond grading reports.

"The reports will provide assurance to I-PRIMO customers that their diamonds meet the retailer’s strict quality standards, backed by more than 100 years of De Beers Group diamond experience," De Beers said. "I-PRIMO only uses loose diamonds that have been graded as ‘excellent’ for engagement rings and all melee diamonds must meet ‘Heart & Cupid’ grading standards. The reports will use De Beers Group’s Ideal Optical Symmetry technology, which provides a magnified image of the light performance pattern of each diamond, offering customers enhanced information about their diamond."

The partnership covers all 68 of I-PRIMO’s Japan stores and will eventually be expanded to include the group’s stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

"The partnership reflects the growing global demand for IIDGR’s polished grading services, following the partnership with Soo Kee Group in Singapore – the first in Asia – and the agreement with Lukfook Jewellery in Hong Kong to provide co-branded grading reports, both announced earlier this year. IIDGR works closely with retailers in establishing diamond grading partnerships, adapting the design and layout of reports to meet individual retailer needs."

Jonathan Kendall, President, IIDGR, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our grading services further in Asia, where we are seeing rapidly increasing demand for IIDGR’s polished diamond grading expertise. Our ability to tailor bespoke solutions for our customers, backed by our innovative proprietary technologies, has been well-received and is supporting our growth in the region.”

IIDGR issues Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Identification Reports for any unset, natural, untreated diamonds weighing a minimum of 0.10 carats. The Institute grades every clarity and all colors, including fancy colors.