Israeli GCI to Open Gem Certification Centre in Tashkent

Israel’s GCI Gemological Centers has signed a partnership agreement with Uzbek company Expert One to establish a gemological centre in Tashkent, according to Dunyo news agency.

The new centre will focus on the analysis and certification of diamonds and other precious stones, applying GCI’s international standards. Alongside its core work, GCI Gemological Centers Uzbekistan plans to introduce educational programmes in gemology – the scientific study of gemstones and ornamental minerals.

Once operational, the Tashkent facility will become GCI’s first in Central Asia and only its second branch globally. The company is headquartered in Tel Aviv and currently operates gem laboratories in Israel, India, the United States, Thailand and Japan.

GCI General Manager Yehuda Yakar highlighted Uzbekistan’s improving investment environment, anti-corruption efforts and growing global credibility as key reasons behind the decision to open the centre in the country.

GCI’s experts specialise in verifying the authenticity of precious stones, assessing their properties and market value, and training professionals in the field of gemology.

Kursiv also reports that copper imports from Uzbekistan to Israel reached $7 mln in the first half of 2025.