Friday, April 25, 2008

IGI gets into 'green' act

New York, The International Gemological Institute (IGI) is the latest jewelry industry organization to go "green."

In anticipation of Earth Day, April 22, the IGI is announcing plans to offer grading reports printed on recycled and/or biodegradable paper using soy- and water-based inks.

The IGI Eco Report series officially will launch at JCK Las Vegas, scheduled for May 30-June 3 in Las Vegas.

According to a release from the IGI, these eco-friendly grading reports will be setting a green precedent in the jewelry industry, as IGI gemologists analyze, grade and issue thousands of reports daily for diamonds and colored gemstones.

"IGI is committed to reducing its environmental impact by offering reports in an environmentally friendly format," IGI President Jerry Ehrenwald said in a media release issued on Thursday. "We are eager to introduce the Eco Report series and urge retailers and consumers alike to help our planet."

The IGI was founded in 1975 and is located in Antwerp, Belgium; the Dominican Republic; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong; India's SEEPZ Zone; Kolkata, India; Los Angeles; Mumbai, India; New Delhi, India; New York; Tokyo; and Toronto.

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