Case Studies

The ICA 2007 World Gemological Laboratory Directory is a detailed listing of gemological laboratories that offer colored gemstone identification services in almost 40 countries worldwide. The directory was compiled by MarketDirect Business Communications on behalf of the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA).
                                             
The project was commissioned and undertaken by MarketDirect as ICA wished to provide ICA's members and the colored gemstone trade "not only with information that helps them procure gemstones, but also to raise consumer confidence in the wonderful products they sell," Dr. Thomas Lind, ICA vice president, wrote in his foreword to the directory. "By publishing this special report, we believe that members of the trade, jewelers and retailers alike will gain better access to colored gemstone identification service providers," he stated.
 
The MarketDirect team built the directory from scratch using a multitude of sources within and outside the ICA membership and, of course, those of its own. More than 250 laboratories were identified and these were contacted and sent a detailed questionnaire that asked not only about contact details, but also about what type and scope of services the lab provides, types of identification reports offered and what equipment the lab has at its disposal. 
 
In particular, we asked the labs to provide a detailed outline of the lab's working practices, to determine its adherence to laboratory standards, in particular certification from its national institute for standards, and of the International Standards Organization (ISO) Of course, we also asked the labs to provide us with information about its membership in national and international trade and organizations.
 
This in-depth questionnaire resulted in a comprehensive gem lab directory, with close to 150 labs in almost 40 countries.