In an effort to serve India's growing diamond trade, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) plans to begin grading diamonds up to 2.99 carats in weight at its Mumbai laboratory, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council announced today.

Until now, diamonds larger than 1.99 carats were sent out of India to be graded at other GIA facilities.

Managing Director of GIA India and the Middle East Nirupa Bhatt said that since the GIA founded its gemological lab in India in 2008, it had "worked diligently" to reach out to the nation's diamond industry. According to Bhatt, the fact that diamonds of higher carat weights are consistently submitted for grading

indicates a growing awareness of the Mumbai lab among local diamantaires.

Bhatt said that the GIA's decision to grade larger stones in Mumbai was the latest step by the organization to provide its clients with "the highest standards of service."

In addition to issuing Diamond Grading Reports and Diamond Dossiers, the Mumbai lab also grades colored gemstones and pearls.