The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has announced the opening of its laboratory in Toronto to certify diamonds for the Canadian marketplace.

John Palladino, G.G., has been named managing director of IGI Toronto. He will oversee day-to-day operations along with a staff that includes seven Canadians and three IGI veterans. The Institute expects to employ as many as 50 Canadians within 12 months.

The 1,400-sq.-ft. laboratory, located at 27 Queen St. East in Toronto, is a full-service facility, offering diamond and gemstone appraisal, certification, and testing for jewelers and consumers.

In 1997, IGI became the first organization to teach rough diamond classes in Yellowknife, the city officially registered as the “Diamond Capital of North America.” To date, more than 150 Canadians have been educated through IGI’s Canadian rough diamond program.

IGI is located in New York City, Antwerp, Bangkok, Bombay, Tokyo and Toronto. It can be reached at www.igiworldwide.com.