CUSTOMIZED GRADING REPORTS – A GROWING TREND AND NICHE BUSINESS FOR GSI
(December 07, 2006)

Gemological Science International, which focuses on the bread and butter grading needs of major retailers, is providing a growing number of its clients with customized grading reports to be used as selling tools for their branded jewelry collections. "They add value and are a natural extension of brand marketing," said Debbie Azar, Executive Vice President of GSI. "It's becoming a niche business for us. In the past year, we've created over a dozen customized reports to help support branded programs for both retailers and manufacturers."

Among the programs are the Sitara Diamond Collection for Fred Meyer and Littman Jewelers, Juellcut Ideal Princess-Cut Diamond for Rogers & Hollands, K.P. Sanghvi's Hearts and Arrows Collection, WF Diamonds' Princess Ideal Collection, and K&G Creations' Sarah Ferguson Collection.

In addition to creating unique reports with brand logos and distinctive designs, GSI also offers an array of branded support materials, including boxes, packaging, easels, displays and brochures. "To our knowledge, no other lab is customizing to this extent," says Mark Gershburg, GSI president/CEO, who founded GSI last year. "We can turn around a request for a custom designed grading report in 24 hours," added Gershburg.

Customization is not limited to branded collections, however. Another growing industry trend that GSI has identified is retailers' desire for uniformity in the look of their grading reports from a variety of labs. "We've worked with several retail clients on redesigning our reports so that there is a consistent look with all reports presented in their showcases," said Gershburg. "The uniformity in reports makes it easier for the sales associates as well."

Innovation and staying ahead of the trends are key in the highly competitive lab business today, added Gershburg, whose list of innovations include the first "real time" online diamond tracking system, more user-friendly reports, the ability for clients to view 24/7 their actual final grading report as soon as it is printed, and a highly interactive website.

GSI is a full-service gem lab whose clients are mainly large manufacturers, major jewelry chains, department stores, and online jewelers. It is headquartered in New York City's Diamond District at 581 Fifth Avenue, and has an office in Mumbai, India. For more information, visit www.gemscience.net or call Debbie Azar at 212-207-4140 Ext. 202.

GSI markets its grading services mainly to large manufacturers, major jewelry chains, department stores, and online jewelers. It is headquartered at 581 Fifth Avenue, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10017.