Dubai, February 15, 2009: 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.

According to Peter Meeus, CEO of International Diamond Labortories, "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 & 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."

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About International Diamond Laboratories
International Diamond Laboratories is a DMCC initiative and a direct result of the Diamond Master Plan that DMCC adopted in 2007 to further develop services for the diamond trade. International Diamond Laboratories provides diamond traders and jewellers with quality reports/certificates of authentication of polished diamonds. These certificates assure customers that the diamond they purchase is of high quality. International Diamond Laboratories provides high-quality diamond certification services from its headquarters in the UAE and branch offices in Valenza, Antwerp, Istanbul and Mumbai.

Employing proprietary technology and with a focus on research and development, International Diamond Laboratories is transforming the traditional art of diamond grading into a science, ensuring the highest possible level grading standards along with the greatest level of consumer confidence. Services of International Diamond Laboratories are additionally customised to best meet the needs of its clients in the region. The company is the first service provider worldwide to issue Arabic language diamond certificates.

For further information, please contact:
Lisa George,
ASDA'A Burson Marsteller,  
Dubai,
UAE.   
Tel: +971-4-3344550,
Fax: +971-4-3344556     
E-Mail: l.george@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2009