PodcastsJan 12, 2026
The latest poscasttest
GradingDec 12, 2016
De Beers Spending $5M to Expand Lab in India
The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research facility in Surat will nearly double in size.
This shot provided by De Beers shows a diamond grader at work at the International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research facility in Surat, India. De Beers opened the lab in 2015 with an initial investment of $10 million and now will spend $5 million to expand it.
Surat, India--De Beers is spending $5 million to nearly double the size of its International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research facility in Surat, India.
Opened just last year, the IIDGR’s Surat facility currently has the capacity to process more than $500 million in diamonds every year, providing polished diamond grading, diamond verification, and melee testing and screening services, a current area of concern for the trade.
With the expansion, the 15,000-square-foot lab will take over another floor in its current building, adding 10,000 square feet of space.
In addition, De Beers said it will launch its first education service designed to cover the entire diamond pipeline and support further growth in the Indian diamond industry. Scheduled to launch in the second quarter of 2017, the program will include courses on polished diamond grading, diamond foundation and lab-grown diamonds.
India is one the world’s main trading centers for diamonds, and it is where 90 percent of the world’s diamonds are cut and polished. The diamond sector in India employs around 800,000 people in highly skilled jobs.
The country also accounts for 8 percent of global demand for diamond jewelry, according to De Beers’ latest Diamond Insight Report.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Grading
The Latest
Weekly QuizOct 03, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
Brought to you by
Navigating Cybersecurity: Essential Guidance for JewelersFrom protecting customer data to safeguarding inventory records, it's crucial to learn how to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
PodcastsNov 27, 2025
Test Podcast With VideoTest Podcast With Video. New interview with Ada Lovelace.
PodcastsNov 25, 2025
Test New Podcast PostAbstract for tests. New Podcast interview with John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morison.
ColumnistsOct 09, 2024
Peter Smith: 7 Things to Know When Selling LuxuryAhead of the holiday season, Smith delves into the often subconscious reasons people buy luxury products for themselves or their loved ones.
AuctionsOct 09, 2024
Rolex Worn on Apollo 14 Mission Up for SaleThe GMT-Master “Pepsi” belonging to astronaut Edgar Mitchell is a standout in RR Auction’s online “Space Auction,” going on now.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
New Simon Campaign Invites Gen Z to ‘Meet Me At The Mall’The ads celebrate the mall culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
MajorsOct 09, 2024
PGI Launches New Virtual Sales TrainingRetail sales associates can access the video series on mobile to refresh their selling skills.
Policies & IssuesOct 09, 2024
GJNRF: Reaching Out, Rebuilding Futures For 25 years, India’s Gem & Jewellery National Relief Foundation has provided aid in the wake of war, natural disasters, and global crises.
AuctionsOct 08, 2024
Sotheby’s Selling Jewelry That Belonged to a Bulgarian TsarThe November auction will feature a collection of jewels owned by Ferdinand I, the first king of modern Bulgaria, and his family.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Rio Tinto Begins New Phase of Production That Will Extend Diavik’s LifeCommercial production has begun underground at the Canadian diamond mine’s A21 pipe.
SurveysOct 08, 2024
What to Know About Online Shopping This Holiday SeasonDeloitte and Adobe Analytics shared their insights on the season, from the retail sales forecast to the role of generative AI.
CollectionsOct 08, 2024
Sylvie Adds New Men’s BandsThe Texas-based jeweler collaborated with luxury clothing brand Uncommon Man on men’s bands designed with European influences.
SourcingOct 08, 2024
Is Current Diamond Industry Turbulence Shaping a ‘New Normal’? Industry players have found ways to cope with market conditions while working to reshape themselves in the face of emerging realities.
SourcingOct 07, 2024
Rio Tinto to Offer 76 Diamonds in 2024 Beyond Rare Tender The sales event, in its second year, features a selection of rare diamonds from the miner’s Argyle and Diavik diamond mines.
CollectionsOct 07, 2024
Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi Partners With Heller Jewelers on New CollectionA portion of the proceeds from the “Always Dream” collection will go to Yamaguchi's foundation, supporting early childhood literacy.
