Program aims to boost consumer confidence as Chinese metropolis takes world stage
HONG KONG, March 11 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- World-leading gem lab International Gemological Institute (IGI) today announced its participation in Shanghai World Expo 2010.
With over 180 countries, 230 pavilions, and 70 million visitors expected over its six-month run, the world exposition will be the largest ever.
"We are proud to be playing an important role at the Diamond Exhibition Corner at the Belgian EU Pavilion," said IGI CEO Roland Lorie. According to Lorie, the Belgian pavilion will see 50,000 visitors daily, giving each the chance to buy diamonds cut and polished in Antwerp, the world diamond centre in Belgium, and set by Belgium's Royal Court-appointed jeweller.
"Jewellery sold at the shop at the Diamond Exhibition Corner will be accompanied by an IGI Identification Certificate providing complete details on the quality of the diamonds - thus giving consumers full confidence in what they are buying," he said.
Lorie pointed out that IGI has been promoting international standards in gem grading and certification in China for over 10 years. "To foster a healthy market, it is essential that consumers have a true understanding of the qualities that distinguish genuine diamond value," he said. "Supporting Shanghai World Expo 2010 is another important step in that educational effort."
As China emerged as the world's No. 2 diamond market by consumption in 2009, consumers increasingly sought more accurate and detailed information on what they are buying, he said.
To meet that need, the gem lab provides the "IGI Identification Report" to certify genuine pieces of jewellery. The report carries a full description of the gem or article of jewellery, including its identification, weight, measurements, shape, cut, finish, clarity, colour, and where appropriate, the quantity of precious stones. It also carries the identification, content details and weight of precious metals in the piece.
According to Shanghai Diamond Exchange Joint Management office, China's imports of polished diamonds totalled USD699m last year.
Besides its ongoing Shanghai Expo activities, IGI will also be participating in several China tradeshows, including Jewelry Shanghai, April 9-12; Shenzhen International Jewellery Fair, September 15-19 and Beijing International Jewellery Fair, November 11-15.
About IGI
The International Gemological Institute (IGI), the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and evaluating gemstones and fine jewellery, was established in 1975 in Antwerp and is located in New York City, Hong Kong, Mumbai, Dubai, Bangkok, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, Toronto, Kolkata, New Delhi and Surat. IGI is an ISO accredited worldwide organization. For additional information, please visit http://www.igiworldwide.com
Media Contact:
Rachel Chung
Assistant Manager, PR Business
Pronto Communications
Tel: +852-2540-6872/ +86-159-2155-0440
Email: prontopr@pacific.net.hk
