The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has opened a diamond laboratory in Los Angeles. Marcello Bustamante, a graduate gemologist and 15-year IGI veteran, has been named managing director of IGI Los Angeles and will oversee day-to-day operations.

The 1,625-sq.-ft. laboratory is located at 550 S. Hill St. and will be a full-service facility servicing both jewelers and consumers. IGI Los Angeles will offer diamond and gemstone appraisal, certification, and testing reports on loose stones and finished jewelry as well as Laserscribe, a patented diamond and jewelry laser-inscription service.

The company says that with the opening of the Los Angeles lab, West Coast clients can expect to receive IGI reports within three to four business days.

The International Gemological Institute was established in 1975 and is located in New York City, Antwerp, Bangkok, Bombay, Tokyo, and Toronto. IGI can be reached at www.igiworldwide.com.