Editor’s Note
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will introduce updated colored gemstone reports and expand its origin determination services starting January 1, 2026. This reflects the institute’s ongoing efforts to enhance the clarity and scientific detail provided to the gem trade and consumers.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA), one of the most influential institutions in gemological certification and analysis, has announced a comprehensive update to its colored stone reports, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. With this launch, the entity not only presents a modernized design of its traditional certificates but also significantly expands its capacity to determine the geographical origin of some of the most sought-after gems in the market.
GIA consolidates its role as a global authority in gemology and reinforces a key element for jewelers, designers, buyers, and collectors: the traceability and trust in the international colored gemstone market. These are two fundamental keys to the future of the gemstone industry and market.
Therefore, the institute has decided to modernize the reports, along with expanding origin services, to respond to the growing demands for transparency and precision in a sector where provenance can determine both the value and the ethics of a gem.
In this way, the new colored gemstone reports adopt a more visual and didactic approach, aimed at both the trade and the end consumer. GIA seeks to highlight the essential attributes of each stone—color, transparency, inclusions, and key gemological characteristics—to facilitate understanding of the individual “story” of each gem.
In addition to a clearer gemological narrative, other relevant services are being added, such as the incorporation of origin determination services for three highly valued gems: opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
These determinations add to the already extensive list of minerals analyzed by GIA, such as emerald, ruby, sapphire, Paraíba tourmaline, red spinel, alexandrite, and, more recently, jadeite jade and omphacite jade from Myanmar or Guatemala.
According to Shane McClure, Global Director of Colored Stone Services, these expansions are possible thanks to an unprecedented scientific foundation.
With these new developments, GIA has also announced an update to the weight categories and fees associated with report issuance. Complete information will be available on January 1, 2026, on its official website (GIA.edu) and will apply only to pieces received from that date onward. All of them will receive the new report format.