GIA to Unlock New York Lab

RAPAPORT... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will reopen its New York grading laboratory this Monday following a three-month shutdown due to the coronavirus."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," GIA CEO Susan Jacques said Thursday. "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."With the 47th Street venue back in action, all 11 of the GIA's laboratories will have unlocked their doors. The 10 other sites are steadily increasing their hours and adding extra shifts to meet growing demand for their services, the GIA said.Meanwhile, its gemological schools in Taipei and Hong Kong are open, and all other GIA educational centers will welcome back on-campus students "in the near future," it said.The organization closed most of its sites in March as the virus spread, and gradually reopened them as lockdown restrictions eased. It will continue to monitor local-government and health rules in each location and adjust its services as necessary.Image: The GIA's New York laboratory. (Shutterstock)