IGI has launched its full-service gemological laboratory in the diamond trade center Ramat Gan, in Tel Aviv, Israel. The IGI Israel opened September 1, 2008 and will be fully operational by November. It would deliver independent diamond grading and coloured stone identification reports, laser inscription services through IGI’s U.S. patented LaserscribeSM process. The lab will initially employ 15 IGI professionals, and increase the number by three times, by next year. The Israel lab will operate according to one internationally accepted system for diamond grading, similar to all IGI labs worldwide. %% IGI has been delivering its services in Israel since eight years, through its Diamond Window Service, which allowed clients to deposit items to be sent to the full-service IGI Antwerp laboratory. IGI was the first to introduced the Israeli diamond market to the concept of a Window Service. Following this success, and the growth of Israel to the number three position of diamond wholesale markets in the world, IGI opted to open a full-service gem-testing laboratory in Ramat Gan located in the Yahalom Building. “The response from the Israeli diamond dealers has been amazing. It is a perfect fit that a lab of IGI’s size and worldwide reputation is now open in such a major jewellery center.” ,” stated IGI CEO Roland Lorié. %% According to figures released by Israel’s Diamond Controller in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor, net polished diamond exports in 2007 totaled approximately $7 billion. The country exported 53 percent of its polished diamonds exports to the US, 19 percent to Hong Kong, 8 percent to Belgium, 6 percent to Switzerland and 2 percent to India. Its net polished exports to the U.S. stood at approximately $3.7 billion, Hong Kong at $1.3 billion, Belgium $562 million, Switzerland $429 million and India $109 million. %% The IGI has also planned to open an IGI Israel Gemological School, inviting Israeli diamond and gemstone industry to earn a globally recognised IGI diploma in gemology.