International Diamond Laboratories on Wednesday unveiled its expansion plans for regional and European markets.

IDL will open a new office in Italy, the world’s leading jewelry market, by mid December 2008. The Dubai Multi Commodities Center subsidiary will also start direct operations in Saudi Arabia by the end of 2008, with a branch office in the Jeddah International Centre. IDL is the first international laboratory to open a diamond and diamond jewelry grading lab in Saudi Arabia.

“Our new market entries indicate that the diamond industry is maturing and jewelry manufacturers, retailers, and consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of an independent third party warranty for diamonds and diamond jewelry,” said Peter Meeus, IDL chief executive officer. “Our specialized services will help to build consumer confidence in the industry.”

IDL currently has offices in Dubai, Mumbai, Antwerp, and Istanbul.

IDL’s fifth branch office is scheduled to open in Valenza, Italy’s manufacturing heart of high-end jewelry and home to many of Italy’s leading diamond jewelry brands like Bulgari, Roberto Coin, and Pasquale Bruni. 

By the end of 2008, a new IDL branch will also be operational in Jeddah to serve Saudi Arabia’s growing local diamond and diamond jewelry industry. IDL previously served the market from Dubai with its certification and education services.

IDL provides diamond traders and jewelers with quality reports/certificates of authentication of polished diamonds and diamond jewelry. These certificates assure customers that the diamond or diamond jewelry they purchase is of high quality.

JCK