Founded in 1975, the International Gemological Institute (IGI) is today the largest independent gemological organization in the world with operations in Antwerp, Dubai, New York, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Toronto, Istanbul and a Gemological school welcoming students from over 90 countries around the world. Beginning life with a staff of three, the company now employs over 600 highly qualified professionals, who each day grade, identify and appraise thousands of diamonds, colored gemstones and fine jewelry. In 1996, looking at the potential of Dubai and the other neighboring countries in Middle East, IGI realized that diamond industry was buzzing though the volume of gold trade was huge. Therefore in 1997, IGI in collaboration with the Gold & Jewelry Group started to give its first Polished Diamond and Colored Stones Identification Courses. In 2001, motivated by the vision that the market will become a key player in the diamond trade, and a growing demand for independent certification, IGI opened a laboratory which received Dubai Municipality & ISO 9001:2000 accreditations in 2004-2005. Having completed 10 years in Dubai, IGI�s Diamond, Fine Jewelry and Color Stone certificates have given a boost to jewelers, which make selling easy and customers too get the satisfaction that they are paying the right price. The reports issued vary from 0.20 carat loose stones to prestigious 300 Carats four piece jewelry sets. IGI reports have proven to be the internationally recognized passport for gemstones and fine jewelry. Over the years, its commitment to quality services, its extensive experience and expertise and its longstanding reputation for reliability and integrity have made IGI a name of reference in the industry.