| Universal Gemological Laboratories (GCI) | |
| Established: | 1998 |
| Location: | Israel, United States, India, Russia, Thailand and Japan |
| Website: | www.gci-labs.com |
Universal Gemological Laboratories (GCI) is a gemological laboratory and a college for educational services founded in 1998. The laboratory's main headquarters is in the Israel Diamond Exchange in Ramat Gan. The GCI has regional labs and educational centers equipped with local and Israeli staff in Russia and, since June 2006, in India—a disposition of four branches in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Kolkata. GCI is the only western laboratory that is officially permitted by the Russian government to operate in Russia.
As a licensed member of the Association of Gemological Laboratories of Japan (AGL), the gemological laboratory TGL Israel is officially registered and recognized by JJA/AGL Master Stones (color) administrative committee. The AGL was established in 1981 for the purpose of standardization of diamond grading based on the method used at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and on the nomenclature of color in diamonds as used by the association of Gemological Laboratories in Japan (AGL). GCI is working under the strict standard institution of International Organization for Standardization (ISO).[1]
GCI conducts research on gemstones. All publications are free to access via the GCI website (English/Hebrew).
Various courses are offered by the college, and the curriculum trains the students in diamond grading, gem identification and practical work.