The AIGS (Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences) has signed a Letter of Intent to boost cooperation with China’s National Gemstone Testing Center (NGTC).

The collaboration will help to promote the integration process of Asia-Pacific jewelry standards under the AGA (Asia-Pacific Gemstone and Technology Standardization Alliance).

“The AIGS and NGTC will uphold the concept of open communication and win-win cooperation,” said AIGS Chairman Kennedy Ho.

“We will jointly establish and share a gemstone database and carry out research.”

Mr Ho added, “We will work together to promote the development of China’s jewelry industry and will make contributions to cultivating jewelry talents and improving their quality.”

The cooperation agreement ceremony on February 1, 2021, was attended by Ye Zhibin, Director, NGTC; Ke Jie, Deputy Director, NGTC; Lu Taijin, Chief Scientist, NGTC; Henry Ho, Honorary Chairman, AIGS; and Gloria Chen, General Manager of AIGS China.

The NGTC plays a key role in developing China’s jewelry industry.

Bangkok-based AIGS has long had close ties with the Chinese market.

The AIGS Lab in Thailand has offered gemstone laboratory services for Chinese customers, and many Chinese students have taken courses at the AIGS School.

The AIGS Lab branch in Shanghai serves the gem and jewelry industry and the public with a comprehensive range of gemstone and jewelry analysis reports, including rubies, sapphires and emeralds.