RAPAPORT... De Beers plans to expand its diamond grading facility in Surat, India as the company increases the services it offers at the facility.
The International Institute of Diamond Grading &
Research (IIDGR), a subsidiary of De Beers, said it will invest $5 million to
enhance the center, adding 10,000 square feet to its existing 15,000
square feet of floor space. That’s in addition to an initial $10
million it invested to establish the facility in 2015.
 The expansion includes enlarging its melee testing service
and launching a new melee grading service next year. De Beers will also unveil a new educational service, which will include courses in polished diamond grading,
diamond foundation and synthetics. The program is scheduled to start in the second
quarter of 2017.
“Through the IIDGR,
De Beers is investing in innovations to ensure India maintains its position as
a global diamond hub, as well as ensuring that the sector has the skills and
tools to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” said Jonathan Kendall, president of
IIDGR (pictured).
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