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GIA Reopens Five Laboratories
Modified schedules; appropriate precautions for safe re-openings
[Press Release] CARLSBAD, Calif. – May 18, 2020 – As GIA continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute has reopened laboratories in Antwerp, Carlsbad, Gaborone, Johannesburg and Tokyo with modified schedules and limited capacity. For details, updates and information regarding GIA locations, please visit GIA.edu/coronavirus-update.
“Our first priority is to protect the health and safety of all staff, clients and visitors,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief research and laboratory officer. “As we work to meet our clients’ needs whenever and wherever possible, we are planning for the safe opening of all other GIA locations as soon as conditions and government authorities permit.”
The GIA laboratories in Johannesburg and Tokyo opened on May 7. Visitors must make an appointment to visit the Johannesburg laboratory and the Tokyo location will accept and return items by transport only. GIA Antwerp opened on May 11, also by appointment only. GIA Gaborone also opened on May 11. The laboratory in Carlsbad opened on May 18 and will only accept submissions via shipment.
The GIA Bangkok, Hong Kong and Ramat Gan laboratories remain open. All GIA locations abide by local government mandates and follow best practices to maintain health and safety. The decisions to close and reopen GIA facilities were made in accordance with government directives.
The Institute will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as needed.
For press inquiries, please contact Nellie Barnett at nbarnett@gia.edu or +1 760-603-4184.
About GIA
An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism. Visit GIA.edu.
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