Background

EGL USA is one of the largest and oldest independent gemological institutions focusing on gemstone certification and research. Originally part of an international network founded in Europe in 1974,  EGL USA opened its first U.S. lab in the heart of New York's international diamond and jewelry district in 1977. 

In 1986 EGL USA became independently owned.  Today the EGL USA Group has laboratories in New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Toronto.  

EGL USA is not affiliated with any other EGL labs outside North America. 

Every certificate issued by our lab states "A member of the EGL USA Group."   Certificate numbers are preceded by either "US" or "CA," to indicate country of origin and to provide consumers the assurance that their certificate has been issued by a member of the EGL USA Group. 

In 1999 EGL USA initiated a Research Department to respond to the changing needs of the jewelry industry.  It is one of only a few labs worldwide doing advanced research in gemology.

Its Education Department (See "For the Trade") offers seminars on important industry issues.  EGL USA gemologists are frequent speakers at jewelry trade shows and gemological conferences around the world.  

EGL USA's services are used by a broad range of customers:

• International diamond manufacturers
• Diamond dealers
• Mining companies
• Chain retailers
• Small independent jewelers
• E-businesses
• The public