The Gemological Institute of America formally opened its fifth international laboratory in Hong Kong with a quick ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 15 attended by more than 125 industry leaders and media members.
“The Hong Kong trade is so vibrant, it’s essential to be here,” said Donna Baker, GIA president and CEO, as she officially opened the lab. “Hong Kong is home to a thriving and sophisticated gem and jewelry industry.… We believe our lab will make it even more convenient for those professionals to access our services and promulgate the international gemological standards.”
Officiating at the opening were Lawrence Ma, the founding chairman of the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong; Gregory So, undersecretary of Commerce and Economic Development for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Cheng Yu Tung, chairman, New World Group; Ephraim Zion, managing director of Dehres Ltd. and GIA board member; Thomas Moses, senior vice president of GIA Laboratory and Research; Wai Man Cheng, director of the Hong Kong laboratory; and Kathryn Kimmel, GIA chief marketing officer.
The lab, located in New World Tower, 18 Queen’s Road Central, will offer on-site services for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Dossiers, laser inscription and diamond sealing services. Prior to opening the new lab, GIA operated a diamond and gemstone take-in facility there for four years and a school for nearly 20 years.