How IBM And GIA Are Advancing Diamond Grading Using AI

By Amit Chowdhry • Jul 28, 2020
  • The research arm of IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) have announced a partnership to develop an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to advance diamond clarity grading

The research arm of IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) — the world’s leading independent diamond identification and grading authority — have announced a partnership to develop an advanced artificial intelligence system designed to advance diamond clarity grading.

The GIA is known for inventing the famous 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight. And in 1953, the GIA created the International Diamond Grading System — which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.

And the GIA AI clarity system was built on the standards of GIA’s universally recognized International Diamond Grading System. And the artificial intelligence is fueled by data from tens of millions of diamonds examined by GIA’s expert diamond graders in the Institute’s state-of-the-art grading laboratories around the world.

The proprietary system — which is now in limited use in the Institute’s New York and Carlsbad laboratories — will dramatically expand the reach of GIA’s independent diamond grading reports.

The initial concentration will be on the most popular diamond sizes. And GIA will scale the artificial intelligence system to bring accurate and efficient diamond grading to more diamond sizes, shapes, and qualities.

Plans for expanding the collaboration between GIA and IBM for future projects combining gemological evaluation and artificial intelligence are in development.

KEY QUOTES:

“GIA is uniquely positioned to leverage AI and set a new bar in diamond grading standards. IBM’s AI technology combined with GIA’s expertise, extensive data and gemological research capabilities enables us to deliver advancements in consistency, accuracy and speed unlike any other organization.”

— GIA executive vice president and chief laboratory and research officer Tom Moses

“Adding AI to our grading methodology reflects GIA’s commitment to protecting consumers in new ways. We are proud to be the first to collaborate with IBM to bring this innovative approach to the gem and jewelry industry, especially as we prepare to adapt to the accelerated changes we know are coming. This is just the beginning.”

— Pritesh Patel, GIA’s senior vice president and chief operating officer

“This newest application of IBM Research’s AI technology for the diamond industry combines GIA’s deep gemological knowledge and data with IBM’s leadership in AI innovation. This system has the ability to accurately and consistently evaluate the overall effect of diamond clarity features like never before.”

— Donna Dillenberger, IBM Fellow, Enterprise Solutions at IBM Research