The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced it will close its laboratory in Ramat Gan, Israel, by the end of 2024. This decision comes after a significant decline in submissions from local clients, reflecting broader shifts in the global diamond market. Despite efforts to reduce costs, including staffing cuts, the Ramat Gan lab has become financially unsustainable.
GIA President and CEO Susan Jacques emphasized that while the laboratory in Ramat Gan will shut down, Israel remains an important center for diamond cutting and polishing. She assured that GIA would continue to support Israeli clients through its other laboratories.
To assist clients during the transition, GIA confirmed that all diamonds currently at the Ramat Gan facility will be returned along with the requested reports. Starting November 17, submissions will still be accepted at the Ramat Gan lab but will be processed at other GIA locations. GIA will cover additional shipping costs for local clients, although standard shipping fees will still apply for other submissions.
To ensure continued local service, GIA is working on a third-party submission process, which will allow clients to send their diamonds to other GIA labs. More details about this service will be announced soon.
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