The very gregarious and charming Tehmasp Printer, MD & CEO, International Gemological Institute, excels at living, breathing and certifying diamonds. He tunes Andrea CostaBir into the emotional power of a diamond, and how to choose these glittering pieces of magic, elegance and high-value judiciously.
Tehmasp, you’ve spent years surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful diamonds. What is it about these gems that continues to captivate people?
Diamonds possess a universal allure that transcends cultures, generations and trends. Across cultures and generations, diamonds have come to represent love, commitment, resilience and timeless elegance. Whether it’s a young couple buying their first engagement ring or a collector seeking a rare fancy-coloured diamond, there’s always a story — and diamonds become part of that eternal story. Each diamond is truly unique — not just in its cut, clarity, or colour, but in the emotion and meaning it carries for the person who wears it. That’s what makes them so unique and powerful.
You talk about how diamonds aren’t just products — they’re emotional milestones. How does IGI help protect that sentiment through its work?
At IGI, we understand that every diamond represents a precious moment in someone’s life — whether it’s an engagement, a wedding, or a personal milestone. Diamonds have always been more than just fine jewellery; they carry deep emotional significance and legacy. We’re committed to protecting that emotional connection by ensuring every diamond is authentic and accurately graded. Through our meticulous certification process, we provide confidence and peace of mind to consumers.
There’s a lot of buzz around Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) lately. Do give us your expert take on the same.
Lab Grown Diamonds have emerged as a major disruptor in the industry, making diamonds more accessible to a new and diverse consumer base. While Lab Grown Diamonds (LGDs) and Natural Diamonds (NDs) are virtually identical in their physical, chemical and optical properties — even under laboratory analysis — the key difference lies in their origin. For consumers, it becomes essential to seek third-party, credible certification to verify the origin, along with the diamond’s 4Cs – cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. At IGI, we play a crucial role in this by providing transparent, accurate authentication and grading, helping consumers make informed and confident choices, whether they choose a ND or LGD.
For many first-time buyers, certification might feel like an afterthought. Why is it actually one of the most important parts of buying a diamond?
For many first-time buyers, certification might seem secondary to the beauty of the diamond — but in reality, it’s one of the most important parts of the purchase. A diamond may look stunning to the eye, but without a trusted certificate, there’s no verified assurance of its quality or authenticity.
You’ve seen the industry evolve tremendously. What’s the most exciting shift you’ve witnessed — whether it’s in design, technology, or consumer mindset?
From an industry perspective, it’s truly exciting to see how India has emerged as the global hub for diamond cutting and polishing — with nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds processed here. It’s a point of pride for all of us. Indian craftsmen have honed an extraordinary level of expertise and earned global recognition for their precision and skill. What’s particularly special to me is that though founded in Antwerp, Belgium, IGI was the first international gemological lab to establish a presence in India — well ahead of the curve, forecasting this industry shift early on.
IGI played a pivotal role in this transformation, especially in educating local polishers about best practices and global standards. To see how far the industry has come, and to know we had a hand in that evolution, is incredibly meaningful. The advent of Lab Grown Diamonds has added a whole new chapter to this story. Today, Surat has become the world’s second-largest hub for LGD production, and once again, India is leading the way. It’s a manmade marvel, and it has opened the door to a new generation of diamond buyers, making this an incredibly exciting time for our industry.
Education has always been a core part of IGI’s work. How are you reaching younger buyers and making diamond literacy more approachable today?
While India has emerged as a global leader in diamond cutting and polishing, what stands out most is the role IGI played through its School of Gemology. As the first international gemological lab to establish a presence in India, IGI was ahead of the curve — foreseeing the country’s potential early on.
Through its training programs, IGI’s School of Gemology was instrumental in educating local polishers on global standards and best practices. This commitment to skill development helped elevate India’s craftsmanship and contributed directly to the industry’s rise on the world stage.
Finally, after all these years of working with diamonds, is there one story that’s stayed with you — reminding you why this work matters?
Earlier, diamonds were often sold using colloquial terms like “Deluxe” and “Super Deluxe” – creating ambiguity and inconsistency in quality benchmarks.
IGI has played a pivotal role in standardising the language of diamonds. Bringing the industry to speak one unified language has been a significant challenge, but a necessary one – ensuring clarity, trust, and consistency across the trade. As LGDs gain momentum, identification of origin becomes even more critical to avoid a repeat of fragmented terminology and to build consumer confidence from the start.
