Istanbul: The Gemological Laboratory of Turkey (GLT), Turkey’s leading provider of gemological services, and Diamond Services (DS), the Hong Kong-headquartered developer of technological systems and services for detecting laboratory grown, imitation and treated diamonds, have recently signed a joint venture agreement to provide comprehensive diamond identification, grading and certification services to the Turkish market.

Within the framework of their agreement, the two bodies will jointly provide full diamond grading laboratory services, which will include verification for all submitted stones whether they are natural, laboratory-gown, treated or imitation. Grading reports will be issued for natural diamonds, and CIBJO guidelines will followed for laboratory-grown diamonds.

The GTL-DS service is scheduled to be launched by the end of June 2022.
Beginning operations in 2016, GLT is an affiliate of the Istanbul Chamber of Jewelry (IKO), providing internationally recognized certification services for minerals, gemstones and jewelry. Its is accredited according to the ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory management standard.

Established in Hong Kong in 2012 with the goal of developing technological systems to assist in the screening and identification of synthetic diamonds, as well as diamonds that had been color-treated using High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT) technology, Diamond Services has twice been a recipient of the prestigious JNA Award for Best Innovation.

“Our new service is designed to protect the integrity of jewelry sold in Turkey, ensuring that consumers receive absolutely accurate information about the jewelry they own or are considering purchasing,” said Mustafa Atayik, IKO President. “Diamond Services is world-recognized authority on the detection and identification of laboratory grown diamonds and treated diamonds, and we are delighted to be join with them in serving the Turkish market.”

“Consumer confidence, which is the foundation stone upon which the jewelry business rests, relies on customer receiving full and precise information, so that they can make a reasoned purchasing decision,” said Joseph Kuzi, Diamond Services’ founder and President. “That ultimately is what we aim to provide through this joint venture.”