Dubai, 15th Feb. 2009 (WAM) -- To meet the growing consumer demand for certified coloured stones like rubies, emaralds and sapphires; International Diamond Laboratories has introduced grading service for coloured stones and jewellery.
Peter Meeus, CEO of International Diamond Labortories, said: 'In the last decade there has been an increase in demand from consumers and retailers for coloured stone certificates. This is especially due to the prevalence of synthetic stones and availability of new coloured stone treatments which make it difficult to know whether the stones are genuine. Our gemstone certification service will assure consumers of the quality and value of the products.'The laboratory has appointed Francesco Natale, a specialist in coloured stone grading, as the Chief Gemmologist - Coloured Stones and Jewellery. For the last five years Natale has worked in IGI, Dubai as the Lab Director. Commenting on Natale's appointment, Peter Meeus said, 'Natale will lead a team of specialists who are trained to distinguish between natural, treated and synthetic gemstones and grade colour, clarity and cut, which can relate to the value of the stone.'Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.