GIA Announces New Diamond Fee Schedule

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced a new diamond pricing structure for all laboratory clients that will go into effect January 1, 2006. Recently the lab said it will cancel the member’s fee.

Starting next month, the GIA will end the tiered diamond pricing system and replace it with a new, single-level pricing formula, the lab said. “The majority of customers will see an overall reduction in fees. In addition, the laboratory is implementing a new, universal flat-fee of $1 per stone for handling fees, replacing previously higher charges for both domestic and international materials handling,“ the lab said in a release.

Click here for the new fee schedule.

Tom Moses, senior vice president of GIA Laboratory and Research said, “We’re pleased to implement this new, single pricing policy to better serve all laboratory clients.  We are making this important change to our pricing structure so it more accurately reflects our commitment to treat all our customers in a fair and consistent manner.”

Moses added,“We have done our utmost to devise a structure that is fair to all our customers, but we recognize that the new pricing schedule will result in a modest increase for some customers.”

Moses says the GIA will work hard to improve cycle times, enhance customer service and make it easier and more convenient for GIA Laboratory clients to conduct business with them.

As part of the recent changes at the lab that resulted in the new pricing scheme, GIA also canceled the exclusive “Window” held by diamond trader Martin Rapaport. According to Moses, anyone can submit gemstones to the GIA Laboratory, and the new fee structure will apply to customers across the board.