The International Gemological Institute (IGI) has acquired American Gemological Laboratories (AGL), marking a significant step toward expanding its global colored-gemstone certification services. The acquisition brings together IGI’s extensive international network, infrastructure and market presence with AGL’s deep scientific leadership in colored gemstones.

Calling the move transformational for the industry, IGI Global CEO Tehmasp Printer said the combination will help build a future-ready certification ecosystem that delivers scale without compromising scientific rigor or integrity. He added that the partnership aims to set new global benchmarks for trust, transparency and consistency in gemstone certification.

AGL will continue to operate independently, retaining its headquarters in New York. Chris Smith will remain president and chief of gemology. Both organizations will maintain their existing technical standards and service levels, while collaborating on the development of new tools, reporting formats and provenance solutions for the global market.

IGI said the acquisition also strengthens strategic ties between the US—the world’s largest fine jewellery and colored-gemstone market—and India, a key global manufacturing hub, further supporting international trade and industry integration.