The International Gemological Institute (IGI) offers potential value-add for retailers through its Laserscribe® process and Registration and Recovery Service®, which affords customer base protection against loss or theft of fine jewelry.
IGI invented the United States patented process known as Laserscribe®, in which a laser inscribes a diamond identification number (DIN), personal message, trademark or logo on the side (girdle) of a diamond or on an article of fine jewelry. The inscription is invisible to the naked eye, does not harm the stone and is permanent unless the diamond is repolished. In addition to diamonds, colored gemstones, gold, platinum and silver can also be inscribed.
IGI also offers its Registration and Recovery Service® for diamonds and gemstones that are Laserscribed® with an IGI report number. Through IGI’s Registration and Recovery Service®, owners are able to register their jewelry in IGI’s databank, allowing them to receive an updated report at any time requested. As the precious metal, gemstone and currency markets fluctuate, IGI will contact the registrant advising of jewelry appraisal updates, when necessary.
Additionally, if a registered article is reported lost or stolen, a search of IGI’s extensive databank is facilitated, which ultimately provides a complete description of one’s article of jewelry and the diamond or gemstone that has previously been inspected by IGI’s professional gemologists and/or appraisers. IGI will then contact the local police and alert jewelers and pawn shops of the lost or stolen property via the Internet.
“I invented Laserscribe® to provide the industry and consumers alike with added protection for their gemstones and fine jewelry,” said Jerry Ehrenwald (G.G., A.S.A., A.A.A., N.A.J.A.), president of IGI and a graduate gemologist with over 40 years of industry experience. “A diamond identification number (DIN) works much like a vehicle identification number (VIN). It is the identifying code for a specific article.”
The unique inscription number also provides assurance when taking articles of jewelry in for cleaning or resizing and decreases an insurance company’s exposure, meaning annual insurance premiums should be reduced. (Any article of jewelry purchased with an IGI report could allow consumers to receive up to a 12.5 percent discount on their insurance premiums.)
IGI is able to Laserscribe® virtually any symbol or logo onto both diamonds and precious metal jewelry. Due to its advanced technology, messages can even be placed on the inside of ring shanks, earring posts and necklace clasps. One can view their Laserscribed® message with the IGI Laserscribe® viewer, which is available at www.e-igi.com/estore/.
For over 30 years, IGI has provided the fine jewelry community and consumers worldwide with a broad range of services. In addition to the Laserscribe® process and Registration and Recovery Service®, IGI offerings include: independent diamond grading reports, colored stone reports, identification and appraisal reports, diamond authentication and attestation of origin, and diamond and colored stone courses offered through IGI’s School of Gemology.
For information on Lasers-cribe®, IGI’s Registration and Recovery Service® or additional IGI services, visit www.igiworldwide.com or call 212-753-7100.
