Through its library and subject experts, GIA acts as a resource of gem and jewelry information for the trade, the public and media outlets.

[4] Vincent Manson, then Director of Strategic Planning, moved the GIA campus and headquarters to Carlsbad, California.

The accusation involved a dealer who claimed that their lab workers engaged in fraudulent activities related to the grading of two diamonds.

Subsequent independent testing revealed discrepancies in the grading of these two diamonds, leading to suspicions that lab workers privy to the situation were complicit.

The probe unearthed Midtown lab workers' contact with clients, an act which is prohibited by GIA code of ethics.

Internal investigation was also initiated due to a lawsuit filed in April 2005 by Max Pincione, a jewelry dealer and former head of retail operations at the jeweler Harry Winston.

[8] On discovering the fraud the members of Saudi Royal family demanded their money back and refused to do any further business with Pincione.

GIA colored stone identification reports may include a comment about any treatments detected and an opinion of country of origin for ruby, sapphire, emerald and tourmaline.

GIA offers several programs and courses online through an interactive eLearning format, and through its 12 campus locations around the world.

Subjects include natural and synthetic gemstones, gem treatments, jewelry design, manufacturing, and marketing.

Darkfield illumination, a lighting technique that makes gem inclusions easily visible in the microscope, was patented by Robert M. Shipley, Jr., the son of GIA's founder.