In an effort to combat the jewellery industry’s crime-related losses of $105 million in 2006, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) was recently called upon by federal and local law enforcement to provide a full day of diamond and gem training to their officers. The event was held at GIA’s New York City education facility last month with 24 law enforcement officials in attendance, including representatives from Belgium and Canada, as well as specialised NYPD detective units and FBI agents from New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

The program was designed to enhance attendees’ knowledge of gemmology in order to aid in the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. Topics covered included diamond characteristics and inscriptions, coloured stones, synthetic gems, and the use of microscopes and loupes. Standard methods for grading diamond clarity, colour, and cut, along with determining carat weight were also discussed.

The GIA said it is now evaluating feedback and may then make this training available in the future for other law enforcement agencies.