GSI LAUNCHES FIRST MINISITE IN SUPPORT OF INDIAN JEWELRY INDUSTRY

NYC, Feb. 10 — Gemological Science International (GSI) announced today that it has launched its first minisite, www.GSIIndia.net, which is dedicated specifically to the Indian jewelry industry. GSI has operated in Mumbai, India, since the summer of 2006, and its business now serves both export and local sectors, according to CEO Mark Gershburg.

"The minisite concept has been used by many non-jewelry companies. We believe this is its first application in the jewelry industry," said Mr. Gershburg. "This approach allows us to offer more Indian-directed services online without overcomplicating our main site. It also shows our dedication and strong belief in the future of the Indian jewelry industry."

In support of the Indian industry, including those looking to enter it, the GSI-India minisite provides information and services that are unique for a gem lab. For example, it offers a list of Indian suppliers of equipment and services along with directories of Indian jewelry associations, trade publications, and retail jewelers all over the country.

On the minisite’s free "Billboard" anyone can post a classified ad for their product or service or a listing for help wanted.

"GSI is known for its 'firsts,'" said Mr. Gershburg, "and these innovations, which are described on the new minisite, have resonated with our Indian customers." GSI's unique MobilLab™, for example, allows a skilled team of graders to work virtually anywhere in the world and stay connected to the lab's office, either in Mumbai or New York City.

"Practically anything that can be done in the lab can be done by our MobilLab™," Mr. Gershburg said. "It creates economic and efficiency advantages throughout the gemstone/jewelry supply chain."

GSI's customers in India, or elsewhere, also have the unique benefit of viewing their actual reports online, rather than just as data. Another one-of-a-kind feature allows GSI customers to track the progress of their goods in the lab in real time.

"Originally we envisioned the website as a B2B site, but in the end we decided on a B2B2C approach, because we believe that by offering free classifieds and information on trade organizations and publications, we're facilitating wider public access and better understanding of the industry," added Mr. Gershburg. "We also believe that in this tough economic environment, it is a useful platform for many sectors of the Indian industry to reach out to each other. We're grateful to members of the Indian industry for their help and support in development of the minisite"

About GSI 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. Visit www.gemscience.net or call Debbie Azar at 212-207-4140 Ext. 202.