The International Gemological Institute (IGI) recently announced the expansion of its diamond laboratory in Toronto.

According to John Palladino, managing director of IGI Toronto, the lab is expanding its space on the 12th floor of 27 Queen St. East. The enlarged facility will cover 2,200 sq. ft. and will allow the hiring of two additional gemologists as well as two additional administrative staff members.

IGI has a long-standing presence in Canada. In 1997, it became the first organization to teach rough diamond classes in Yellowknife. IGI Toronto, which opened in July 2002, is a full-service facility that offers diamond and gemstone appraisal, certification and authentication for jewelers and consumers alike. IGI services include the patented Laserscribe inscription process, diamond grading reports, colored-stone reports, identification and appraisal reports, and diamond and colored-stone courses offered through IGI’s School of Gemology.

Established in 1975, IGI has facilities in New York

City, Toronto, Los Angeles, Antwerp, Bangkok, Bombay, Tokyo, and Toronto. For information, visit www.igiworldwide.com.