GIA South Africa to Open This Week
February 17, 08 by IDEX Online Staff Reporter
GIA South Africa, the Gemological Institute of America’s new laboratory in Johannesburg, will open officially this week, on February 21. The lab will provide GIA Diamond Dossiers, which will cover stones from 0.15 carats up to 1.99 carats, and is also introducing a new GIA Diamond Fee Schedule, reflecting current fees as converted to the South African currency.
GIA Laboratory and Research Senior Vice President Thomas M. Moses said that launching the GIA Laboratory in Johannesburg was a top priority for the organization. “The institute is very excited to begin participating as fully as we can in the industry in this region, and will eventually offer classes, seminars, scholarships and other aspects of the institute here as well.”
The GIA lab facility in Johannesburg will grade any size diamond, colored stone or pearl, and, for any service other than the Diamond Dossier report, items can be delivered to the lab, sent to another lab for service and returned for customer pickup. GIA has also been granted VAT exemption, so that this service will not be subject to traditional shipping fees for stones.
The grading lab is located at Suite 512 in the South African Diamond Center, 225 Main St, Johannesburg. The mailing address in P.O. Box 1756 Houghton, 2041, South Africa. It will be open 8 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday.
