The Gemological Institute of America announced that plans are underway to establish a laboratory in Japan in 2012.

“GIA’s mission is to promote the public trust in gems and jewelry and, as such, we will do everything within our means to carry forth this mission in Japan and to assist the Japanese diamond community in furthering these goals,” said Donna Baker, president and CEO of GIA, in a statement.

In addition to developing a lab presence in Japan, a GIA facility in Israel is scheduled to open in 2012. Both initiatives will benefit the institute’s ongoing efforts to expand lab capacity.

JCK