IGI Opens its Largest Lab in the Middle East at Almas Tower, Dubai
February 08, 11
(IDEX Online News) - International Gemological Institute (IGI) on Tuesday opened the company’s largest full-fledged diamond certifying laboratory and training institute in the Middle East. The laboratory will be based in the Almas Tower in Dubai.
The 5,000 square feet facility will use the latest technology in diamond grading, the firm said, adding that it will serve as IGI’s primary lab in the region.
The IGI School of Gemology is offering a range of educational courses including rough diamond grading, polished diamond grading, color stones identification, professional jewelry designing, pearl grading, mounted jewelry grading and seminars for retail sales professionals on diamonds and colored stones.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Roland Lorie, CEO of IGI Worldwide, opened the lab.
According to Bin Sulayem, “Almas hosts a range of industry-specific facilities designed to encourage the trade of diamonds through Dubai.” These include a trading platform, vaults, boiling services, secure shipping as well as finance and banking services. “Today, we are pleased to be able to add the grading and training services of IGI to the offering.”