As Jewelry Continues to Top Holiday Wish Lists International Gemological Institute Offers Expert Tips to Ensure Buying Success.

NEW YORK -- The International Gemological Institute (IGI), a consumer-focused independent gemological resource, has been successfully educating jewelry buyers on diamonds and gemstones for over 30 years, and this holiday season will be no exception. According to Jewelry.com's 2nd Annual Survey of Shoppers, an overwhelming 73 percent of women reported jewelry was their favorite gift received.

With this in mind, the gemological experts at IGI's New York office recommend this season's smart shoppers review the following tips:

* In living color. Purchasing brilliantly colored gemstones like tanzanite, ruby and emerald will keep the rich and festive feel of the holidays throughout the year. Look for rings or earrings with these stones' bold colors as the main component.

* Hot! Hot! Hot! This holiday season's popular jewelry trends are carrying over from last year. Three-stone rings, Journey Diamond Jewelry and circle necklaces are hot jewelry items that are sure to be a hit with your in-vogue girl. Jewelry.com reports 42 percent of their respondents want to don a circle necklace this year.

* Diamonds are still a girl's best friend. Whether you're planning on popping the question or just want to dazzle her - make sure you buy a diamond with her tastes in mind. If she loves antiques, consider a period design such as an Edwardian or Art Deco style. If she's a trendsetter, try a contemporary ring or pendant with a fancy color diamond. If she's a traditional gal, diamond studded earrings or a diamond necklace may be your best bet. Before purchasing a diamond, learn about the 4 Cs by visiting www.igiworldwide.com.

* Pearly whites? Not so fast! Don't forget that pearls come in a variety of colors - gold, green, blue, black... the list goes on. In fact, according to Jewelry.com, 28 percent of those surveyed were hoping for chocolate-colored pearls this holiday season.

* Just in case. Make sure you hold onto the receipt, as it is a legal document that will protect you should anything happen to your gemstone and is vital when purchasing jewelry insurance or making a return. Most reputable retailers have at least a 30-day money back guarantee. Although, there may be some cases where the jewelry is not returnable, such as if it has been custom fabricated.

* Mark your territory! Consider laser inscription. Laserscribe(SM) is IGI's US patented ability to inscribe a diamond identification number, or any other text (such as "I Love You"), on the girdle (side) of the stone. This process is invisible to the naked eye, does not harm the stone and allows the jewel to be traced and positively identified. In fact, if the lost or stolen jewelry is Laserscribed(SM) and registered in IGI's database, through IGI's Registration and Recovery Service(SM), IGI will contact the local police, search the auction market for the jewelry and alert jewelers and pawn shops of the lost or stolen property via the Internet. It's also important to note that when an article of jewelry is graded and registered by IGI, the consumer's yearly insurance premium may be reduced.

* Stocking stuffers. For those looking to "accessorize" their loved ones' jewelry collections, IGI's e-store http://www.e-igi.com/estore/ offers a variety of options such as wooden jewelry boxes, travel cases, cleaning cloths and puffs, an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, as well as a range of jewelry loupes including a Laserscribe(SM) viewer, which shows users the IGI laser inscription.

IGI provides objective and accurate grading, identification and appraisal reports for gemstones and fine jewelry. IGI does not buy or sell diamonds, gemstones or fine jewelry; it is an unbiased and neutral organization, consisting of graduate gemologists and accredited gem and jewelry appraisers. IGI's mission is to provide retailers and consumers with accurate and reliable product information.

The International Gemological Institute, the world's largest independent laboratory for testing and valuating gemstones and fine jewelry, was established in 1975 and is located in New York City, Los Angeles, Toronto, Antwerp, Bangkok, Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata, Tokyo, Dubai and Hong Kong. IGI can be reached at www.igiworldwide.com.