/PRNewswire/ — El International Gemological Institute (IGI), one of the world’s largest and most trusted independent diamond grading and certification organizations, announced the acquisition of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a global leader in color gem analysis and provenance reporting. The transaction brings together unrivaled global scale and infrastructure with deep scientific expertise, positioning the combined group at the forefront of certification and trust in the global jewelry industry.
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The acquisition creates a global platform that combines IGI’s industry leadership with AGL’s pioneering leadership in colored gemstones. Together, IGI and AGL will deliver greater transparency and innovation, while preserving the independence and scientific integrity that underpin both organizations.
Tehmasp Printer, President and Global CEO of IGI, stated: “This is a transformative step for the industry. By combining AGL’s scientific leadership with IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-proof ecosystem that offers scalability without compromising integrity. Together, we are setting a new global benchmark for consistency in gem certification.”
Highlights:
- Strategic alliance: IGI will provide AGL with access to its global infrastructure, allowing it to expand its colored gem certification services beyond the US market. For IGI, the transaction diversifies its revenue streams in the fast-growing colored gemstone segment and supports long-term growth by expanding its research capabilities.
- Business continuity: Chris Smith will continue as president and chief gemologist of AGL. The laboratory will remain headquartered in New York and operate independently under its prestigious brand. No immediate operational changes are anticipated; Both organizations will continue to offer the same technical standards, while collaborating on the development of new tools and provenance services.
- Educational leadership: IGI will further strengthen its global training programs by incorporating AGL’s specialized scientific knowledge and research methodologies.
- Long-term investment: Backed by Blackstone’s long-term investment approach, IGI intends to pursue a disciplined strategy to support AGL’s continued growth and scientific leadership.
Founded in 1977, AGL pioneered country of origin reporting in the United States and serves leading luxury brands, auction houses, manufacturers and private collectors around the world. The transaction strengthens strategic ties between the United States, the world’s largest market for fine jewelry, and India, a global center for gemstone manufacturing.
Christopher Smith, president and chief gemologist of AGL, added: “This acquisition represents a crucial opportunity for AGL to significantly expand its colored gemstone services. With Blackstone’s support and IGI’s international reach, AGL will enhance and expand integrity and service standards on a global scale.”
Dev Shetty, founder and CEO of Jemora Group and former executive at Gemfields and Fura Gems, acted as strategic advisor on the transaction.
https://www.bseindia.com/corporates/anndet_new.aspx?newsid=f9b4cc80-1753-4446-83df-b5023b595f5d
https://investor.igi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Upload_AGL.pdf
About the International Gemological Institute (IGI)
The International Gemological Institute is one of the largest and most respected independent gemological laboratories in the world. It offers diamond, gemstone and jewelry certification services through a global network of laboratories and educational institutions. The IGI serves leading retailers, manufacturers and consumers globally, offering consistent, reliable and transparent grading and certification solutions. The IGI operates 35 laboratories and 21 Gemology Schools in 10 countries, supporting the industry in its rapid transformation.
For more information, visit www.igi.org
About American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)
Founded in 1977, American Gemological Laboratories is a premier gemological laboratory specializing in color gem analysis, origin determination, and advanced scientific reporting. Recognized for its independence, research-based approach and technical leadership, AGL serves leading luxury brands, auction houses, retailers and collectors around the world.
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