Press Release

GIA Enhances its Emerald Reports

Recognizing the industry’s interest in more information about the nature of fillers in emeralds, GIA will offer filler identification with its emerald reports beginning December 15. The optional filler identification service will initially be offered at no cost.
Sample GIA Emerald Origin Report with filler identification.

Filler identification available as an option beginning December 15

CARLSBAD, California – December 11, 2024 – Recognizing the industry’s interest in more information about the nature of fillers in emeralds, GIA will offer filler identification with its emerald reports beginning December 15.  The optional filler identification service will initially be offered at no cost. 
 
“GIA is making this change in response to the needs of the market,” said Tom Moses, GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer. “As trade concerns about the degree and composition of filler in emerald have evolved, we have adapted our reports to those changes.”
 
GIA offered the identification of fillers in emeralds more than 20 years ago but changed the service to focus on identifying the degree of filler. This was in part due to the recognition that fillers can be removed, changed and mixed.
 
In addition to identifying the stone as emerald and evaluating the degree of filler in the emerald, clients may request the new filler identification service. If filler is present, the report will offer one of the following conclusions:

  • Filler Type: A (may include oil, wax and/or natural resin)
  • Filler Type: B (artificial resin)
  • The clarity enhancing material present cannot currently be identified.

GIA laboratory clients should contact their GIA laboratory client service representative or email LabService@gia.edu with any questions.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.