The International Gemological Institute (IGI) announced on January 31, 2026, the acquisition of American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), bringing the two certification organisations under a single global platform.

AGL, founded in 1977, is headquartered in New York and is known for pioneering country-of-origin reporting for coloured gemstones in the United States. It serves luxury brands, auction houses, manufacturers, retailers and private collectors worldwide.

Under the transaction, Chris Smith will continue as President and Chief Gemologist of AGL. The laboratory will remain based in New York and will operate independently under its existing brand and management. No immediate operational changes have been announced.

IGI said the acquisition will allow AGL to access its global infrastructure to expand coloured gemstone certification services beyond the US market. For IGI, the deal expands its addressable market and diversifies revenue into the coloured gemstone segment.

Tehmasp Printer, Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer of IGI, said: “By combining AGL’s scientific leadership in coloured gemstones with IGI’s global platform, we are building a future-ready certification ecosystem that delivers scale without compromising integrity or science.”

IGI also stated that AGL’s scientific knowledge will be integrated into its education and training programmes for coloured gemstones.

Christopher Smith said: “With the support and backing of Blackstone, as well as the international reach of IGI facilities, AGL will be improving and expanding the standards of integrity, service and products on a global scale.”

Dev Shetty, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jemora Group, acted as a strategic advisor to the transaction.