2020 has seen explosive growth in two disruptive areas: online shopping and lab-grown diamonds.
From electronics to jewelry, the way consumers research and purchase has shifted from showrooms to their living rooms. And whether it’s electronics or jewelry, consumers want to know they are making safe decisions.
Jewelry Authenticity And Disclosure Matter Today
You may know that IGI was first to grade finished jewelry 40 years ago. Today our long-established jewelry reports are empowering confidence among a growing number of online shoppers. And not simply in North America: eBay India recently launched a Gems and Jewelry Certificate program (GJC) in cooperation with IGI. Under this program, Indian eBay sellers have their products independently graded by IGI at competitive prices, empowering trust and confidence for online shoppers in the world’s largest domestic jewelry market.
In terms of the future, eBay manager Vidmay Naini stated: “Online shopping is here to stay, and recent digital adoption will be permanent.”
Another trend in 2020 has been explosive growth in lab-grown diamond inventories and sales. Whether you offer them or not, we strongly suggest you become fully educated about this product to best serve your clients. We are in the best position to assist you with this education.
The First To Fully Grade Lab-Grown Diamonds
IGI broke status quo 15 years ago, offering full grading services for lab-grown diamonds. Our decision to accept, study, and fully grade lab-grown diamonds provided the first meaningful foothold in terms of authenticity and standardization for that growing industry segment in 2005.
Today other grading organizations are changing their policies and beginning to issue full reports for lab-grown stones. IGI is proud to have been the first to enter this arena, providing expertise, long experience, and confidence for the entire industry—from manufacturers and retailers to consumers.
As explained by IGI CEO Roland Lorie: “IGI took the risk of certifying lab-grown stones, even when volume was minimal, because we not only thought it was the right thing to do, but had an inclination that the industry would one day embrace these diamonds. We wanted to ensure consumers knew exactly what they were buying, so they could be confident in their purchases.”
Embracing A Variety of Gemological Services
Solving new trends in the new normal does not require a reinvention. It may require “reading the room” and expanding your paradigms, but a value proposition you’ve been successful with should continue to be successful as long as it reaches the right audience. And, if your audience is online, it may help your closing ratio to support your value proposition with confidence-building third-party authenticity.
Your Partner In Protection
To that end, we enthusiastically invite cooperation with new customers. Whether it’s the grading of loose natural or lab-grown stones, jewelry authentication, appraisals, or education: A partnership with IGI demonstrates shared commitment to transparency, authenticity, and full disclosure for your clients.