Gemological Institute of America

Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Type	Private
Established	1931
Academic staff	21 Gemology & 9 Jewelry Arts Instructors
Location	Carlsbad, California, United States
Website	www.gia.edu

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a nonprofit institute based in Carlsbad, California. It is dedicated to research and education in the field of gemology and the jewelry arts.^[1] Founded in 1931, GIA's mission is to protect buyers and sellers of gemstones by setting and maintaining the standards used to evaluate gemstone quality. The institute does so through research, gem identification, diamond grading services, and a variety of educational programs. Through its library and subject experts, GIA acts as a resource of gem and jewelry information for the trade, the public and media outlets.^[2]

In 1953 the GIA developed its International Diamond Grading System and the "four Cs" (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight) as a standard to compare and evaluate the quality of diamonds.^[2]

Today,^[when?] the institute is headquartered in Carlsbad, California, and operates in 13 countries, with 11 campuses, 9 laboratories, and 4 research centers.

^ "About GIA". GIA. Archived from the original on 2013-01-25. Retrieved 2011-04-05.
^ ^a ^b "Colored Diamonds Shine at GIA's GemFest in Tokyo". Diamonds.net. 14 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2016-11-11.

[1] "About GIA". GIA. Archived from the original on 2013-01-25. Retrieved 2011-04-05.

[diamonds1-2] "Colored Diamonds Shine at GIA's GemFest in Tokyo". Diamonds.net. 14 April 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2016-11-11.

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