The first diamond quality certificate was shown at the 2011 Yunnan High-Grade Jadeite Appreciation Conference, on April 21.The first regional jadeite quality standards in Yunnan have come from the province's Gem and Jade Quality Supervision Inspection and Research Institute, in a move to "discipline the flourishing market".

The Grade Quality of Diamonds and Gemstones ruling was drafted in conjunction with the National Gold and Diamond Testing Center, and accepted on March 2. They said this was China's first diamond grade evaluation system.

China is the world's second largest diamond consumer, just behind the United States. But, the lack of a national diamond grade standard has kept consumers from getting a clear understanding of the certification that the Administration of Quality Supervision issues.

The Research Institute and the Testing Center managed to come up with a draft of a local standard at the beginning of 2011 after gathering a wide range of opinions from different industries, and constantly revising it, in line with Yunnan's circumstances.

Yunnan jade specialists have been trying for years to come up with a single, effective standard for jadeite quality," said Deng Kun, head of the Institute.

Deng went on to explain that the new revised standard first takes weight into consideration, since this is the most direct way to judge gemstone quality on a single index. This is also fit for use in Chinese diamond market, and is an easy way to solve the misguided consumer problem.

It also satisfies various social needs, and increases consume confidence, he said.

Luo Xia, general manager of Kunming Kong Yuu Jewelry Co Ltd, said that her company is the first one to get quality evaluated certifications from the province's Research Institute, so sometimes it is easy for customers to judge the diamonds by certification.

One diamond lover from Kunming, He Li, said, "I used to be interested in weight, color, clarity and cut, but the 4C classification is very professional. Now, I can buy with confidence since there's a diamond certificate."

The 2011 Yunnan High-Grade Jadeite Appreciation Conference is now underway in Kunming, with many examples of exceptional jade and gems, valued at more than 2 billion yuan ($306 million).

(China Daily 04/22/2011 page7)