Mumbai: The International Gemological Institute (IGI), an independent diamond grading and certification organization, today announced the acquisition of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), a colored gemstone analysis and provenance reporting organization (IGI Acquires AGL).
The transaction brings together unmatched global scale and infrastructure with deep scientific expertise, positioning the combined group at the forefront of certification and trust in the global jewelry industry.
IGI Acquires AGL: Creating a Unified Global Certification Platform
The acquisition creates a global platform that combines IGI’s industry-leading market reach with AGL’s pioneering leadership in colored gemstones.
Together, IGI and AGL will deliver enhanced transparency and innovation while preserving the scientific independence and integrity that underpin both organizations.
Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and Global CEO of IGI, stated, “This is a transformational step for the industry. By combining AGL’s scientific leadership with IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-ready ecosystem that delivers scale without compromising integrity. Together, we are setting a new global benchmark for consistency in gemstone certification.”
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IGI Acquires AGL: Key Highlights
- Strategic Alliance:
- IGI will provide AGL access to its global infrastructure, enabling the expansion of AGL’s colored gemstone certification services beyond the U.S. market.
- For IGI, the acquisition diversifies revenue streams into the fast-growing colored gemstone segment and supports long-term growth through enhanced research capabilities.
- Business Continuity:
- Chris Smith will continue as President and Chief Gemologist of AGL. The laboratory will remain headquartered in New York and will operate independently under its established brand.
- No immediate operational changes are planned, and both organisations will continue to maintain existing technical standards while collaborating on new tools and provenance services.
- Education Leadership:
- IGI will strengthen its global education and training initiatives by integrating AGL’s specialised scientific knowledge and research methodologies into its programmes.
- Long-Term Investment Support:
- Backed by Blackstone’s long-term investment strategy, IGI intends to follow a disciplined approach to support AGL’s sustained growth and scientific leadership.
Also Read: International Gemmological Institute Achieves INR 1265 Mn PAT in Q2 2025
IGI Acquires AGL: Strengthening Strategic Linkages
The acquisition further strengthens strategic linkages between the U.S., the world’s largest fine jewellery market, and India, a global centre for gemstone manufacturing.
Christopher Smith, President and Chief Gemologist of AGL, said, “This acquisition represents a pivotal opportunity for AGL to significantly grow its colored stone services. With the support of Blackstone and the international reach of IGI, AGL will improve and expand the standards of integrity and service on a global scale.”
Dev Shetty, Founder & CEO of Jemora Group and former executive of Gemfields and Fura Gems, served as a strategic advisor on the transaction (IGI Acquires AGL).
