An Innov8 session on Certification Standards of Diamond brought together leaders from India’s leading gemological laboratories to examine why standardisation has become critical for the diamond industry. Held on 10 January 2026, the discussion focused on consumer confidence, inter-laboratory consistency and the growing complexity introduced by technology and lab-grown diamonds.
Moderated by Samir Joshi, Executive Director, Indian Diamond Institute (IDI), the panel featured Kareena Shahani, Laboratory Director, International Gemological Institute (IGI); Ramit Kapoor, Managing Director, GSI India; and Dr A.V.R. Reddy, Gemological Institute of India. Joshi opened the session by questioning why formal standards from bodies such as ISO and BIS are now necessary when laboratories already follow internal grading protocols.
Ramit Kapoor argued that standardisation provides a common framework for accuracy and repeatability, ensuring that grading outcomes remain consistent across laboratories and ultimately protect the end consumer. Dr Reddy highlighted the technical challenge of creating conventional reference materials for diamonds, noting that inter- and intra-laboratory comparison using master sets is currently the most viable route to reliability.
Consumer trust emerged as the central driver for reform. Shahani noted that buyers increasingly expect a diamond to receive the same grade regardless of the laboratory, making third-party accreditation and documented processes essential. The discussion also addressed the added complexity of lab-grown diamonds, particularly in fancy colours, where grading parameters are still evolving.
The session concluded that while the shift from certification to standardised certification is complex, collaboration between laboratories, investment in training and technology, and harmonised testing protocols are now non-negotiable to maintain transparency and confidence in diamond grading.