Press Release: In response to the pending removal of EGL USA from RapNet listing,
Mitch Jakubovic, the director of EGL USA, released the following statement.
“Recently, RapNet announced its intention to remove EGL USA from its trading platform, along with other E.G.L.-
named laboratories. We remained publicly silent, while meetings were ongoing. Unfortunately, Martin Rapaport
remains committed to this new policy. EGL USA, in turn, remains committed to delivering exceptional
gemological science and service to its customers.
“EGL USA is a highly regarded, independent gemological laboratory. In particular, the lab’s GIA- and FGA-trained
gemologists are recognized for consistent grading and significant achievements in gemological research.
“EGL USA is in no way affiliated with any E.G.L.-named laboratories outside of North America. In fact, as the
sole owner of the trademark in the U.S., EGL USA is the only E.G.L. lab with the legal right to issue
gemological reports here.
“To protect this right, EGL USA brought trademark infringement and false advertising claims against the E.G.L
labs outside of North America, for both their inflated grading practices and improper use of the E.G.L. name in the
U.S. These legal actions reinforce an existing customs border ban on their reports, established over a decade ago.
“Our customers know all of this. And Rapaport knows it, too. Rapaport reported on the ban when it was initiated.
And Rapaport consistently distinguished EGL USA — in advertisements, industry events, listings and surveys.
Just last year, Rapaport verified the quality of EGL USA analyses as comparable to top tier labs, such as GIA. We
earned this recognition. Moreover, we expect an industry leader and standard-bearer, like Rapaport, to always
present our lab — and all other labs — clearly and fairly.
“Instead, in its recent press release, Rapaport referenced EGL USA as part of ‘EGL’ and ‘European Gemological
Laboratories’ and associated our lab with language including ‘the misrepresentation of diamond quality’ and ‘overgrading
of diamonds.’ None of this is accurate.
“Simply put, the delisting of EGL USA penalizes us for our name alone. And while that is a great disservice to
EGL USA, it is an even greater disservice to our customers and the industry-at-large.
“We are very grateful for the tremendous support of our customers, particularly those who spoke loudly and
publicly on our behalf. We will return the favor, announcing updated trading platform plans shortly.”
About EGL USA
For nearly four decades, EGL USA has provided superior science and service — cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art testing, consumer education and comprehensive gem identification and evaluation reports. As part of its
commitment to exceptional customer service, EGL USA offers a wide variety of report styles and options for
diamonds, colored diamonds, colored gemstones, pearls and mounted jewelry. EGL USA also offers appraisal
services, via Universal Gemological Services (UGS).
EGL USA is in no way connected or affiliated with any E.G.L.-named laboratories outside of North America.
Rapaport News is not responsible for, and does not endorse, the content of any third-party press release. This is not a Rapaport Press Release. It has been provided as additional information for our clients.
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