De Beers Inks Japan Retail Grading Deal

The International Institute of Diamond Grading & Research (IIDGR) has partnered with Japanese bridal-jewelry retailer I-PRIMO to provide it with polished grading reports.

The De Beers-owned laboratory will grade diamonds showcased at all 68 I-PRIMO stores in Japan, with the aim of boosting consumer confidence, IIDGR said last week. The reports will use De Beers’ “Ideal Optical Symmetry” technology, which provides a magnified image of a stone’s light performance. The companies plan to extend the program eventually to I-PRIMO’s stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

IIDGR has previously entered partnerships with Singapore’s Soo Keep Group, as well as Hong Kong-based retailer Luk Fook, with which it issues co-branded grading reports.

“Our ability to tailor bespoke solutions for our customers, backed by our innovative proprietary technologies, has been well-received and is supporting our growth in the region,” said IIDGR president Jonathan Kendall.