As New York goes through its phased reopening, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) announced that it will open its New York City identification and grading laboratory on Monday, June 29.
The lab had originally shut down in March, as part of New York State on Pause, the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening of the New York lab means that all 11 global GIA laboratories will be back in operation, with some adding hours and extra shifts to meet the increasing demand for services.
Its schools in Taipei and Hong Kong are also open, and other GIA schools hope to hold on-campus classes in the future.
“As restrictions are lifted and the global gem and jewelry industry begins to recover, we are safely reopening GIA locations, returning staff to work and preparing to engage in our mission-driven activities,” said Susan Jacques, GIA president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “We are strictly following government regulations and guidelines, implementing new processes and adapting our facilities to keep everyone who comes to GIA—staff, clients, students and visitors—healthy and safe.”
