New York / Mumbai – The International
Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the world’s largest and most trusted independent diamond grading
and certification organisations, today announced the acquisition of American
Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a global leader in colored-gemstone analysis
and provenance reporting. The transaction brings together unmatched global
scale and infrastructure with the deepest scientific expertise in coloured
gemstones, positioning the combined group at the forefront of certification
& trust in the global gem and jewellery industry.
The acquisition creates a global
certification platform that combines IGI’s industry-leading scale,
infrastructure and market reach with AGL’s deep scientific expertise and
pioneering leadership in coloured gemstones. Together, IGI and AGL will deliver
enhanced trust, transparency and innovation across the global gem and jewellery
industry, while preserving the scientific independence and integrity that
underpin both organisations.
Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director
and Global Chief Executive Officer of IGI, says: “This is a transformational step for the
industry. By combining AGL’s scientific leadership in coloured gemstones with
IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-ready certification ecosystem
that delivers scale without compromising integrity or science. Together, we are setting a new global benchmark for trust,
transparency and consistency in gemstone certification.”
Key Highlights:
·
Strategic Alliance: IGI will provide AGL with access to its global infrastructure, thereby
providing AGL with the opportunity to expand its Color gemstone certification
services beyond the US market. For IGI, the transaction expands its addressable
market, diversifies revenue streams into the fast-growing coloured gemstone
segment and supports long-term growth through cross-market integration and
expanded research capabilities.
·
Business Continuity: Chris Smith will continue as President and Chief Gemologist of AGL.
The laboratory will remain headquartered in New York, USA, operating
independently under its respected brand and long-standing leadership, while
maintaining its commitment to scientific excellence. No immediate operational changes are planned;
both organizations will continue to deliver the same technical standards and
client service levels while collaborating to develop new tools, reporting
formats and provenance services that address the needs of the global
market.
·
Education and Knowledge Leadership: With the acquisition of AGL, IGI will further strengthen its global
education and training programs in coloured gemstones, incorporating AGL’s
specialised scientific knowledge, research and teaching methodologies
·
Long-Term Investment Commitment: Supported
by Blackstone’s long-term investment approach, IGI has expanded its global
footprint, strengthened its laboratory infrastructure and invested in education
and talent. IGI intends to apply the same disciplined, long-term investment
strategy to support AGL’s continued growth, scientific leadership and global
reach in Color gemstone certification
Founded in 1977, AGL pioneered
country-of-origin reporting for coloured gemstones in the United States and
serves leading luxury brands, auction houses of high repute, manufacturers,
retailers and private collectors worldwide.
The transaction strengthens strategic linkages between the United
States—the world’s largest market for fine jewellery and coloured gemstones—and
India, a global hub for gemstone manufacturing, sourcing and certification. The
combined platform is positioned to serve the global gemstone trade with enhanced
scale, scientific capability and geographic reach, supporting evolving market
demands for provenance, transparency and consistency.
Christopher Smith, President and
Chief Gemologist of AGL, added: This acquisition represents a pivotal
and tremendous opportunity for AGL to continue and significantly grow its
colored stone services. With
the support and backing of Blackstone, as well as the international reach of
IGI facilities, AGL will be improving and expanding the standards of integrity,
service and products on a global scale across the colored stone and jewellery
sectors.”
Dev Shetty, Founder & CEO of Jemora
Group and former executive of Gemfields and Fura Gems, served as a strategic
advisor on the transaction