Thrissur: Solitaire Gemmological Laboratories (SGL) has opened a new Experience Centre in Thrissur, Kerala, giving trade professionals and consumers direct access to diamond testing, grading and verification services.
The facility, located at Holy Space Complex, New Church Lane, Erinjiyari Angadi, was inaugurated on 4 September 2026 by Rajesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers, and Varghese Jos Alukkas, Managing Director, Jos Alukkas. SGL Co-Founders and Directors Chirag Soni and Shirin Bandukwalla were also present.
Designed as an interactive testing and education space, the centre allows visitors to observe live diamond grading and verification processes, extending beyond the conventional 4Cs of colour, cut, clarity and carat weight.
A key focus of the facility is the identification of natural and lab-grown diamonds. SGL uses screening systems including DiaScreen NextGen Pro and Dia Screen 2.0, which are designed to detect CVD and HPHT-grown diamonds in loose parcels as well as mounted jewellery.
The laboratory also employs technologies such as FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, alongside automated screening systems, to strengthen verification and reduce the risk of undisclosed lab-grown diamond mixing.
Additional services include GemScribe diamond inscription, GemID digital footprinting and 360-degree high-resolution imaging for both loose diamonds and finished jewellery.
For jewellery manufacturers and retailers in Kerala, the Thrissur centre provides more immediate access to independent testing and certification infrastructure. Local availability can help reduce the need to send high-value inventory to traditional testing hubs such as Mumbai or Surat, potentially improving turnaround times and lowering logistics-related costs.
Founded in 2007, SGL operates across multiple international markets. The new Thrissur Experience Centre strengthens its presence in South India while also creating a more transparent and accessible environment for diamond education, testing and certification.