Tessera Jewelry and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) officially announced their collaboration during the ‘Diamonds Defined’ event on November 12, 2024, at The Westin Manila in Ortigas City.
This groundbreaking partnership aims to redefine the standards of diamond certification in the Philippines, ensuring authenticity, ethical sourcing, and unmatched quality for buyers.
The event featured a “Diamond 101” session led by IGI experts Stephen Andarakis, laboratory director, and Bob Van Es, country manager for IGI Thailand and Hong Kong. The duo broke down the Four Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—essential elements that determine a diamond’s value.
- Carat: “Larger carat weights mean bigger sizes, but different shapes can make diamonds appear larger or smaller,” Andarakis explained.
- Color: Graded from D (colorless) to Z (yellow tint). Andarakis highlighted that the less yellow tint, the more valuable the diamond.
- Clarity: Assesses internal imperfections called inclusions. Diamonds with fewer inclusions are rarer and more valuable.
- Cut: “The most underappreciated of the Four Cs,” Van Es noted. “Cut determines how the diamond reflects light and directly impacts its brilliance. It’s the one feature you can see with the naked eye.”
Tessera has become the first Philippine jewelry brand to collaborate with IGI for co-branded diamond certification. Each Tessera piece now comes with an IGI certificate that guarantees:
- Authenticity and quality, adhering to global grading standards.
- Increased value through verified documentation of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
- Transparency with a QR code on each certificate, allowing buyers to verify their diamond’s details instantly on IGI.org.
“This partnership builds trust with our customers,” said Tessera founder Papat Fider. “By working with IGI, we ensure that every diamond is genuine, ethically sourced, and meets exceptional quality standards.”
Since its establishment in 2011, Tessera has committed to responsible sourcing and craftsmanship. Each diamond is selected with an emphasis on minimizing environmental impact and upholding human rights.
Van Es emphasized the significance of IGI’s involvement. “We’re unbiased and thorough in our evaluation process. Every diamond is rigorously checked for authenticity, quality, and ethical standards before receiving IGI certification.”
In an age where transparency and responsibility matter more than ever, Tessera and IGI are setting a new benchmark for luxury in the Philippines. This collaboration ensures buyers receive not just a sparkling gem but a symbol of quality, ethics, and trust.
For more information, visit Tessera showrooms in Rockwell Drive, Katipunan, and Davao, or browse their collection online at www.tessera.ph. Follow Tessera on Instagram at @tesserajewelry for updates and exclusive offers.
