Gemological Institute of America Sets up Hong Kong Grading Laboratory
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced the official opening of its new laboratory and diamond grading facility in Hong Kong.
Officiating at the opening ceremony were the President and Chief Executive Officer of GIA, Donna Baker; the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, Gregory So; and the President of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, Lawrence Ma.
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Simon Galpin (right), congratulated GIA on its setting up of a laboratory in Hong Kong. On his left is President and Chief Executive Officer of GIA, Donna Baker.
The GIA laboratory in Hong Kong will look after Far East markets including Hong Kong, the Mainland of China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and the Philippines. GIA’s laboratory director, Cheng Wai-man, who ran the GIA laboratory in Botswana for the last two years, returned to Hong Kong to lead the operation. GIA trains its diamond graders through a six-month technical skills training program to learn from experienced GIA instructors using the latest gemological equipment and techniques. In its first year of operation, the organization will employ about 30 local staff for its diamond grading service.
Ms. Baker said, “Asia, in particular Mainland China, is growing as a key manufacturing and retail market for diamonds. Hong Kong is home to a thriving and sophisticated gem and jewelry industry. Companies in the various stages of the value chain, including diamond manufacturers, distributors and retailers have already set up regional headquarters in Hong Kong. From a logistics and servicing perspective, it makes perfect sense for us to establish our lab here to serve the growing market demand in this part of the world. Our lab will make it more convenient for diamond professionals to access our services and promulgate the international gemological standards that GIA has established in its nearly 80-year history.
The Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Gregory So, addressed the audience at the opening ceremony of GIA's new laboratory in Hong Kong.
“GIA has had an educational facility in Hong Kong since 1994 and hundreds of students have successfully completed their Graduate Gemologist education programs with us, going on to create fulfilling careers in retail, manufacturing and design, among others. We are committed to providing Asian jewelry professionals with the latest gemological research, education and laboratory services.”
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Simon Galpin, said, “The testing and certification industry is one of the six new pillar industries where Hong Kong has strong growth potential. GIA’s commitment to the local market and its presence will further strengthen the scope of testing and certification services available in Hong Kong to serve growing local and overseas demand. It is providing strong support to the industry as it brings in testing and certification technology, provides training and transfers sophisticated technical skills to our city.”
About GIA
Established in 1931, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is an independent non-profit organization. GIA translated its expert knowledge into respected gemological education and in 1953, the Institute created the International Diamond Grading System which, today, is highly recognized by professional jewelers throughout the world.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the institute is dedicated to ensure public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.
GIA: www.gia.edu
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customized services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong’s vibrant economy.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,000 investment projects creating over 25,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and US$6.7 billion.
Invest Hong Kong: www.investhk.gov.hk
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